The Fijian Government will continue to support the Fiji National Rugby League in its bid to join Australia’s National Rugby League as its 18th franchise.

Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru said while no official word had come from NRL, work would continue in pushing Fiji’s bid for inclusion.

Fiji and PNG are both vying to make the NRL’s 18th team along with other clubs in Australia.

Reports from Australian media show that PNG’s bid has reportedly been given a tentative greenlight with a few negotiation points to be resolved.

“They haven’t officially opened the bid for the 18th club when I last spoke to them (in February). PNG and Fiji are trying very hard to be part of the franchise. Now we are just trying to convince the NRL to open up so that’s the current situation,” Saukuru told Times Sport.

While Fiji has declared its interest, it’s all still a waiting game now.

“Once they open up that 18th franchise, our bid will go in.

“FNRL came to us and as a Government, we had to support them, support sports because it’s an important pathway for most of our youth. If the NRL decides to open an 18th franchise, then we are definitely here to support them just like the Drua,” the sports minister added.

In April, Cabinet endorsed Rugby League Bid (Fiji) Pte Ltd to spearhead the bid to secure a licence for participation in the NRL premiership competition, encompassing both men’s and women’s rugby league teams in the 18th extension franchise.