The Fiji National Rugby League says it was shown a lack of respect by not being consulted over the Melbourne Storm's intial plans to play and train in the country.
Storm officials announced a deal with the Fiji Government in June to play an exhibition match in Suva this month, hold coaching clinics and open trials for local players, and to bring an NRL match to the country from 2017.
Melbourne Storm officials signed a deal with the Fiji Government in June to play and train in the country. Photo: Supplied
But the FNRL was kept in the dark over the initial deal and the nine-a-side match proposed for this month has now been postponed at the organisation's request, after a major upheaval in their administration.
FNRL CEO Timoci Naleba flies to Melbourne today to meet with Storm officials and determine how the the two parties can work together.
"I've already spoken with the Minister of Youth and Sports and the Permanent Secretary and I've confirmed the discussion with the Fiji Sports Commission on rugby league and some individuals from overseas coming over to Fiji without going through FNRL and made announcements. That's the big problem right now. I'm not saying that these things here are not good but they need to have some respect for the Fiji National Rugby League - we are mandated by government to look after the game so I just think we need to have some clarification on that and we will move forward".
Timoci Naleba will also meet with other NRL staff in Sydney and Brisbane later in the week.
Marika Koroibete is a key player for both Fiji and the Melbourne Storm. Photo: PHOTOSPORT