PM XIII - Fiji V Australia, Suva

[AJB1102]

lol is this merkin seriously talking up the "buzz" and "atmosphere"?

 

[PARRA_FAN]

Yeah I'm guessing this wasnt promoted enough. Even a lot of us here had no idea they were playing in Fiji up until a month ago

 

[jim_57]

Yeah I'm guessing this wasnt promoted enough. Even a lot of us here had no idea they were playing in Fiji up until a month ago

It would have been good to see it stay in PNG, even if they have a second game against Fiji/Tonga/Samoa every year.

Game needs a bit of a rethink, it isn't really a credible 'trial' for the Kangaroos if they're playing amatuers. It should be used to reward some young players and State Cup players mixed with some big name NRL players.

Likewise have a mix of PNG/Fiji locals scattered with some NRL/SL stars each year. At least try and keep it somewhat competitive.

 

[eagles4eva]

sco-mo, could pack down in the forwards

 

[AJB1102]

It should be used to reward some young players and State Cup players mixed with some big name NRL players.

That's pretty much what we got isn't it?

 

[Jim from Oz]

Who won the women’s match in the end?

 

[jim_57]

That's pretty much what we got isn't it?

I'm thinking like Under 18/19. Also no state cup players I can see.

 

[some11]

Fifita is carving up.

Haas man amongst boys too.

 

[Mr Angry]

Great experience for the Fijians, never gave up, outclassed.

Great hit out for a bunch of Aussie fellas who will back up for the nines together.

 

[MattLodgeIsMyHero]

Future immortal Brad Parker vs park footballers.... was never gonna end well. If only we would kick goals we woulda won by 70. The commentators get the award for worst commentators ever.... fancy getting campbell graham mixed up with blake ferguson, obviously theyve never watched a game of league in their lives.

 

[stormbati]

What number is the Fijian guy that lives on the street they were talking about at the start of the game?

The fullback who actually looked dangerous with ball in hand. Had a good turn of speed.

 

[siv]

Love our choice of water not

Has he passed his qualifications?

 

[LeagueXIII]

We do ourselves no favours, firstly we leave promoting and selling a game to an organisation which arguably have zero experience in ever drawing a decent crowd to a game in the FNRL (a body made up mainly volunteers and people use to coordinating RL competitions, not promoting games).

Secondly we set the game up as a mismatch of Professionals vs Amateurs, and finally, we play it on a Friday night.

I'm sure playing this on a Saturday or Sunday would have at least helped draw a larger crowd, and same if there had been at least 1 or 2 Fijian NRL players join the squad.

Agreed. We have to remember rugby league is not the countries passion, union is. There was a reasonable crowd considering, but they can improve from here.
Considering the Fijians were local players they did very well, a couple of bigger names in future selections and experience with them entering the Australian competition and this will be a great addition to the calander. Remember the PNG PM's XIII were beaten 58-0 in 2016.

 

[veggiepatch1959]

Yeah I'm guessing this wasnt promoted enough. Even a lot of us here had no idea they were playing in Fiji up until a month ago

A month ago?

The first I heard of this match was 17 minutes ago on Channel 7 news by reading the score at the bottom of the screen.

 

[milton]

The only way the game would have gotten a bigger crowd is if a few of the Fijian NRL players were playing. Id imagine if Sivo was playing it would have sold out

 

[Perth Red]

Needs some decent nrl Fijian names. Lol at sco mo running water. I hope the nrl are milking us having a rl fan as pm?

 

[jim_57]

The only way the game would have gotten a bigger crowd is if a few of the Fijian NRL players were playing. Id imagine if Sivo was playing it would have sold out

This. All well and good for Fiji to run with some locals but all is a bit much, that's what a resident's side or Fiji 'A' should be for. The local fans want to see some of their own guns I'm sure, not just see all local amatuers get thrashed.

If it remains in Fiji next year have at least 3/4 pros play.

Sivo, Kikau, Vunivalu, Ravalawa, Naiqama, Naologo, Simms(s), Safiti(s), RCG, Koroisau, Wakeham, Bukuya, Evans, Kamikamika etc.

 

[jim_57]

Fijian prop forward (No:10) Tikiko Noke has played the last 2 years in PNG for current Digicel Cup Premiers Lae Tigers.

Thought he looked one of the strongest for Fiji, made plenty of good metres and looked hard to stop.

 

[taste2taste]

I wonder how league is viewed in Fiji ? Do they have the same toxic League Vs Union we have in Australia, England and to a lesser extent NZ ? Or is league viewed as an equal ?
I've visited Fiji once many years ago and remember there being a fair bit of NRL in their local paper.

 

[siv]

Fiji and Samoa seem to draw low crowds when games are played locally