Fiji is unlikely to participate in the 2019 NSW Cup with the financial deadline approaching for them to secure their place.
After making the semi-finals in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, the RLIF would like to have a Fijian team in the 2019 NSWRL’s Intrust Super Premiership to grow the game internationally.
But as the June 18 deadline approaches, a lack of funding for Fiji's appearance could act as a major roadblock.
“[A major goal is] A rolling five-year calendar including a second global tournament in 2019, a new Pacific Championships to parallel the RLEF’s European Cup, a NZ Kiwis tour of the UK and France in 2018, a British Lions Tour of Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific in 2019, an Australian Kangaroos tour of the UK and France in 2020, and RLWC21,” RLIF chairman John Grant said in a letter to member countries.
“With your help the calendar will also include bilateral matches Members play.
“We are concerned however that while RLWC17 was a terrific success on the field and in broadcast ratings, it has generated less funds than targeted,” Grant wrote.
“This is still subject to further negotiation with the hosts, Australia and New Zealand. Whatever the outcome, it places more emphasis on finalising a second global event and driving RLIF broadcast and commercial revenues around a rolling calendar our partners can commit to.”
