Pacific players paid a pittance
doping ban after testing positive for an anabolic steroid.
APRIL 29, 2017:
Josh Papali’i cut from Kangaroos after pleading guilty to drink-driving.
MARCH 10, 2017:
Tim Simona deregistered by NRL after betting scandal.
MARCH 6, 2017:
Bryce Cartwright alleged
to have paid $50,000 to his girlfriend to have an abortion.
MARCH 2, 2017:
Kenny Edwards suspended for seven games and fined $60,000 after pleading guilty to domestic violence.
JANUARY 3, 2017:
Former Parramatta Eels star Chris Sandow involved in street brawl.
DECEMBER 23, 2016:
Andrew Fifita fined $20,000 for showing support to convicted killer Kieran Loveridge during a match.
NOVEMBER 23, 2016:
Former Kangaroo Dave Taylor pleads guilty to a charge of cocaine possession. Players in the Samoan, Tongan and Fijian sides earned less than five per cent of what their Kiwis and Kangaroos counterparts took home from this week’s representative round.
Despite the development in Pacific league over the past few years, the financial disparity with the major nations remains massive.
Players in the Pacific teams, which include Warriors Tui Lolohea, Ata Hingano, Ken Maumalo and Bunty Afoa, banked around A$650 ($700) each in their respective fixtures last night.
In contrast, the Australian and New Zealand players earned around A$20,000 for their participation in the Anzac Test week.
Even the players in the NSW CityCountry clash — which will be discontinued after this year — will receive A$5000 each for the game in Mudgee this evening.
The Pacific test weekend has been a big success, starting from humble beginnings four years ago to become one of the most anticipated weekends on the league calendar. The matches have attracted good crowds, and television audiences have revelled in the entertainment and passion on display.
“A lot of people had doubts that a purely Pacific test concept could work in Australia,” said Frank Puletua, NRL’s head of Pacific Strategy. “But the intensity, the skill and the national pride on display have converted a lot of followers.”
Puletua points out that the NRL already cover the accommodation and logistics costs for the island
NOVEMBER 7, 2016:
Ben Barba axed by Cronulla Sharks after testing positive
for cocaine.
OCTOBER 19, 2016:
Warriors player Ata Hingano fined $450 and loses driver’s licence for six months after being convicted of drink-driving in Auckland. nations, as well as staging the games.
“It’s a sizeable undertaking to deliver it,” said Puletua.
“The NRL covers all of that and recognise that it is an important part of a broader strategic plan.”
The best hope is an incremental increase for Pacific players. While it’s unlikely that pay parity could be achieved in the current market, there may be some room to manoeuvre in the collective bargaining agreements discussions between the Rugby League Players Association and the NRL.
“These games have become an important part of the NRL calendar and are only going to get bigger,” said Samoan coach Matt Parish. “All of the island nations are getting stronger and the changes in the international eligibility laws will only help that.
“It would be good if the Polynesian players got some sort of return to recognise their efforts on the international stage, like the Kiwis and Kangaroos.”
Under Parish, Samoa have been at the forefront of a renaissance for the lesser nations in league. Samoa came extremely close to upsetting both England and the Kiwis in the 2014 Four Nations tournament, and will be a strong prospect for a semifinal berth at the upcoming Rugby League World Cup.
Tonga, who are also in the Kiwis’ pool at the November tournament, will field a strong side. Papua New Guinea will be an intimidating prospect on home soil and Scotland have been emboldened by their historic 18-18 draw with the Kiwis in Workington last November.
“It’s no longer just the big three,” said Parish.