NRL, Storm in Fiji talks

TALKS are currently in place with Melbourne Storm and the National Rugby League (NRL) to host a premiership match in Fiji next year.

According to a Sydney Morning Herald report, premiership matches are expected to be held in the country from next year.

“If you look at Fiji now as an opportunity for a premiership game, everything is there now for the NRL and for the clubs to seriously consider for 2025,” SMH quoted Storm CEO Justin Rodski.

The Storm played its pre-season clash against the Newcastle Knights in Lautoka last month, which saw Churchill Park filled with fans from all over the country for the historic match.

“You’ve got to take premiership matches to your markets if you want to win new fans,” Rodski added.

“We saw first-hand the impact it had on the community, the engagement from the community, attendance at the game, the love of rugby league.”

While Rodski acknowledged rugby union as the major sport in the country, he believes bringing more NRL matches to Fiji will increase their fan base and develop the sport of rugby league.

“Rugby union is still the number one sport in Fiji, but rugby league’s growing.

“From us being there and having a presence, I think that this is just the start of something special for what could be a long-term play for the NRL in the Pacific.

“More than 50 per cent of the competition are from Pacific Island nations.

“So, we’d be silly not to continue to invest in going to those regions, having an impact with the community, and also bringing games there because that is the most important thing.”