The lack of facilities is one of the main setbacks of the Fiji National Rugby League while pursing its interest to be included in the National Rugby League (NRL)
Like other sporting bodies, the FNRL does not have its own ground to host its competitions.
This has forced them to use Bidesi Park in Laucala Bay, Suva and at times, Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori.
It means that they will be sharing the ground-on alternate weekends- with club rugby matches.
FNRL chairman Akuila Masi is pleading with landowners to meet their need.
“If any landowners that are listening, if you have any land available somewhere, we are desperate, we have been looking and talking to some landowners and we have applied for our fundings.
“The challenge I know we have now in Fiji is the lack of ground, the facilities, we have to do with whatever we have now but that’s the plan we have.
“Before the end of the year, we are hoping to sign off our 10-year plan with the NRL and that is inclusive of the facilities that we must develop as well,” Masi said.
This is just one of the pre-conditions the FNRL must meet to strengthen their bid of joining the NRL in the future.
“Once you’re in the NRL there are expectations of things that need to be in place. For example, you need to have your grassroot development programs, your own facilities, you have to pay $4m to $5m up front so you can be included in the franchise. You need to have your local competition, we are slowly building on that so it will take time until we fulfill those criteria, but the good thing is our boys are already playing there,” Masi said.
Last year Fiji and Papua New Guinea had put forth its bid to join the NRL as the 18th expansion team.
PNG’s bid was successful and they are set to join the NRL in 2028.
