yakstorm
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Hadn't seen anything about this story till I went over to Fiji, but this was in the Fiji Sun last week:
Fiji’s NRL Bid Boost
Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj* · Mar 16, 2024
Government is expected to strengthen the country’s sports tourism sector by endorsing Fiji’s bid to be the 18th franchise club in Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL) in 2026.
The Cabinet was supposed to decide on the matter on Tuesday, but it was deferred due to the Parliamentary session. The Cabinet meeting is supposed to meet next week and a decision to be made then.
Top Government officials, approached by SUNsports, spoke of huge economic benefits through sports tourism and the much-improved infrastructure if a Fiji NRL club is able to play in the NRL. In an earlier interview,
Minister for the Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru said the paper on Fiji’s NRL bid was still going through Government’s vetting process. According to sources, the paper has been vetted by the Fiji Revenue Customs Services, Ministry of Finance, Office of the Solicitor General and the Cabinet Sub Committee.
The model with 49 per cent ownership by the Fiji National Rugby League, is similar to the Fijian Drua, which is currently playing in the Super Rugby Pacific.
It is believed the proposed paper indicates that the Fiji’s NRL franchise club will be based in the country with the players, coaches and management to be paid in Australian dollars.
The Fiji franchise could bring over 17 home matches compared to the seven Super Rugby home games by the Drua.
Here are what our country’s leaders had to say.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka:
“That should come through the administration of the (rugby) league, they have not presented to me, but they will follow their own procedures.
“My general thought does not count in this matter because I’m the Life Member of (FNRL) rugby league and that I should not interfere with proper processes.”
Deputy PM and Minister for Finance Biman Prasad:
“It is good for the country economically, it brings a lot of exposure and it creates economic activity and wealth for our people.”
Deputy PM and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka:
“It will certainly be a great exposure as far as tourism is concern.”
Deputy PM and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica:
“I know there is a big interest in the NRL.
“If it comes, it is a welcome development for Fiji.”
Fiji’s NRL Bid Boost
Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj* · Mar 16, 2024
Government is expected to strengthen the country’s sports tourism sector by endorsing Fiji’s bid to be the 18th franchise club in Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL) in 2026.
The Cabinet was supposed to decide on the matter on Tuesday, but it was deferred due to the Parliamentary session. The Cabinet meeting is supposed to meet next week and a decision to be made then.
Top Government officials, approached by SUNsports, spoke of huge economic benefits through sports tourism and the much-improved infrastructure if a Fiji NRL club is able to play in the NRL. In an earlier interview,
Minister for the Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru said the paper on Fiji’s NRL bid was still going through Government’s vetting process. According to sources, the paper has been vetted by the Fiji Revenue Customs Services, Ministry of Finance, Office of the Solicitor General and the Cabinet Sub Committee.
The model with 49 per cent ownership by the Fiji National Rugby League, is similar to the Fijian Drua, which is currently playing in the Super Rugby Pacific.
It is believed the proposed paper indicates that the Fiji’s NRL franchise club will be based in the country with the players, coaches and management to be paid in Australian dollars.
The Fiji franchise could bring over 17 home matches compared to the seven Super Rugby home games by the Drua.
Here are what our country’s leaders had to say.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka:
“That should come through the administration of the (rugby) league, they have not presented to me, but they will follow their own procedures.
“My general thought does not count in this matter because I’m the Life Member of (FNRL) rugby league and that I should not interfere with proper processes.”
Deputy PM and Minister for Finance Biman Prasad:
“It is good for the country economically, it brings a lot of exposure and it creates economic activity and wealth for our people.”
Deputy PM and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka:
“It will certainly be a great exposure as far as tourism is concern.”
Deputy PM and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica:
“I know there is a big interest in the NRL.
“If it comes, it is a welcome development for Fiji.”
