A Rugby League Bid Fiji Pte Limited is leading the nation’s call for inclusion in Australia’s National Rugby League.
In Parliament, Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru, while responding to a question by member Tomasi Tunabuna, revealed Fiji’s bid to the NRL is being handled by the Rugby League Bid Fiji Pte Limited.
Bid director Bev Broughton and Rajesh Singh of Broughton’s & Associates, who are partners of official bid company, were present in Parliament yesterday.
Saukuru said the bid was sent to the Australian Rugby League Commission Peter V’Landys on February 23 and they’re awaiting confirmation for a licence to be approved.
However, for now, the bidding company is carrying out works behind the scenes to strengthen Fiji’s potential.
“Our bid company is currently strengthening media coverage of the Fiji bid on the extensive wide world of sports program that reaches out to over four million sporting fans every month on Channel 9 News in Australia,” Saukuru stated.
“They have ensured media coverage with key online commentators, one of which has been reported by a media commentator with the following of 168,000 sports fans.
“It is also developing bid programs and constructive liaison with the Fiji National Rugby League regarding complementary pathway programs to ensure no duplication. It is also working on the development of the media collateral in readiness for ongoing media releases to keep the profile of Fiji and the Rugby League Bid Fiji Pte Limited consistently promoted both in Fiji and internationally.”
The timeline of the licence approval is not known, and it may take a while.
“A letter of support from the honourable Minister for Youth and Sports on behalf of the Government of Fiji was vetted by the Office of the Solicitor General and sent to the chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission.
Confirmation from the Australian Rugby League Commission for a licence is yet to be received and the timeline to have this approved may vary and could even take a while,” Saukuru added.
As of now, Saukuru said the financial requirements of joining the NRL was not clear, but their priority remains in securing the bid.
Fiji is competing for the 18th NRL expansion team spot with the rugby league crazy nation of Papua New Guinea.
