Fiji to host NRL games

The Fiji National Rugby League has written a proposal to the Fijian Government to host two Australian National Rugby League (NRL) matches in Fiji next year.

FNRL chief executive officer Timoci Naleba said hosting two NRL matches would be a big thing for the country.

"We have given our proposal to the Government for their consideration and we are waiting for their response on the proposal," he said.

"I am working on that proposal with Fijian residents in Australia who are trying to get this type of events to boost sports tourism in Fiji.

"We are working hard with the NRL to make this happen, to get two matches to Fiji.

"There are so many people who want to get these types of matches in Fiji without going through FNRL. It is about having a standard to benefit all development."

The NRL competition has a huge following of fans in Fiji and Australia as a number of Fijian players play for top clubs in Australia.

The Fiji National Sports Commission will comment on the proposal today.

Meanwhile,dual international Semi Radradra has shown his interest to represent the Vodafone Fiji Bati in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

Fiji National Rugby League chief executive officer Timoci Naleba confirmed to Fiji Times that "The Trailer" would be part of the Fiji Bati in the World Cup.

"Semi's declaration is a sign and the indication of the senior players to play for Fiji Bati in the Rugby League World Cup and his declaration to play for Fiji Bati is a call for war," he said.

"When a player like Semi declares that it means that he is stretching to his senior brotherhood.

"He will be bringing home something better than 2013."

The 25-year-old represented Fiji in the 7s rugby in 2011 before converting into rugby league and played for Parramatta Eels at the wing position.

"He is included in the World Cup squad. There are no two ways about it and since after declaring his availability he was in the team," Naleba said.

"It is going to be very massive. His inclusion means that we will have a full strength team in the back line as we can already compete for upfront. We did not have that leadership in the back line during the test matches. We had all young players in the team.

"Radradra and Jarryd Hayne's inclusion with the other senior players inclusion would boost the back line capacity and the power."

Fiji will host the Tri-Nations competition where Australia, Fiji Bati, and Papua New Guinea will be playing each other on October 14 at the ANZ Stadium in Suva.


SOURCE: FIJI TIMES/PACNEWS