Fiji tackle path to NRL
THEY have stormed into rugby league’s World Cup semi- finals and are now ready to take Australian rugby league by storm.
Fiji’s historic bid for entry into the 2019 NSW Intrust Premiership is poised for approval in a significant step towards ultimately fielding an NRL franchise.
On the back of the Bati’s stunning World Cup success, Fiji’s bid team has just about secured the necessary $ 1.5 million needed to win entry into the second- tier Australian COACH David Kidwell has the backing of Kiwis playmaker Shaun Johnson and captain Adam Blair despite New Zealand’s upset Rugby League World Cup quarter- final loss to Fiji in Wellington.
Kidwell’s track record at the New Zealand helm has been less than impressive, with three wins and a draw from 10 matches since taking over from Stephen Kearney in September last year. The Kiwis hit a new low in their tryless 4- 2 loss to Fiji, a solitary Johnson penalty their only points from an 80- minute effort littered with missed tackles, handling errors and poor decision- making. competition. Fiji powerbrokers believe the entire process could secure approval by the end of the year.
All that’s left is for the bid to receive final approval from the Fijian national rugby league.
Once completed, the NSWRL board will then consider the bid with NRL input.
Sources are confident the bid would be successful with the NSWRL looking for Fiji to replicate the same on- field magic the PNG Hunters have given the Queensland Intrust Cup.
Fiji showed a their skill with a
It was New Zealand’s second defeat in a week to a second- tier team, following their 28- 22 upset loss to Tonga in Hamilton.
But Johnson made it clear that while both losses were disappointing, Kidwell and Blair still had his backing. “One hundred per cent,” he said. “Obviously, results didn’t show the hard work we’ve put in but we are trying to build and create something that’s going to last a lot longer than what we are, and those two are at the heart of it.
“While we didn’t get the results and we’re out of the competition, in terms of building a foundation for the Kiwis glimpse of 4- 2 World Cup semi- final win over heavyweights New Zealand last Saturday in Wellington.
The $ 1.5 million annual amount would pay costs for all touring teams, including air fares and accommodation.
Fiji bid members have been canvassing sponsorship opportunities in Fiji, the Pacific and Australia.
Plans are already under way as to how and where Fiji could set up a training facility for players, which would include accommodation, gymnasium and kitchen.
Fiji’s bid director, former Test champion Petero Civoni- going forward, I definitely think we’ve done well.”
Johnson described the Kiwis dressing room as sombre after Saturday’s loss, saying the team felt they had let the country down.
“I guess the most disappointing thing for me is that everyone who doubted us – the fans, the media – you got your way,” he said.
“We couldn’t deliver what I thought we could deliver. That’s what burns, that’s probably what hurts the most, that we let down our country.”
Blair echoed Johnson’s comments, saying he was proud of what the Kiwis had created. ceva, said the three- year wait was just about over.
“This could be the start of something very special. We’ve pretty much got it nailed down,” Civoniceva said.
“I am just awaiting an endorsement from the Fiji national rugby league. I pretty much have endorsements from NRL, NSWRL and the Fiji Government.
“We are pretty close now to tidying it all up.
“And it looks like I am pretty close to securing a major sponsor, which is fantastic. Hopefully the performance of Fiji in this World Cup will gen-
“We’ve been on a really good journey that’s changed a lot of things in the Kiwi jersey,” he said.
“We’ve set some high standards and we’ve created a great work environment.”
Kidwell himself didn’t give a direct answer when questioned about whether he felt he had earned a contract extension when his position is reviewed early next year.
“I’m very passionate about this jersey, a lot of hard work has gone into create this environment,” he said.
“I want to make sure it’s seen, it’s maintained to the standards these boys have shaped.” erate the support we are after.
“We would need about $ 1.4 million, $ 1.5 million a year. We have to account for all travel for us and the opposition as well. It is a hefty running cost to put together every year.
“Hopefully Fiji Rugby League give it their blessing. It can only be a good thing for the local rugby league talent in Fiji.
“The groundwork has been done over the past three years. We have to find a sponsor that can see the value in us. Being a unique team in an Australian sporting competition would be a really good selling point.