Storms players training in Melbourne last week. Photo: Melbourne Storm
Melbourne Storm and Newcastle Knights pre-season trial game, the first to be sanctioned by the National Rugby League (NRL) in Fiji, could be the launch pad needed for future NRL games in the country.
With the game confirmed to be played on Saturday 24 February at Churchill Park in Lautoka, the future looks bright, said Storm chief executive Justin Rodski.
Rodski and player Tui Kamikamica were in Fiji to announce details of the groundbreaking match alongside Fiji's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, Fiji Airways chief marketing and customer officer Akuila Batiweti and Tourism Fiji boss Brent Hill.
Rodski said rugby league is a fast growing sport in Fiji and the trial game can be the launching pad for future NRL content to be played in the country.
"We are very excited about bringing the first ever NRL match to Fiji," Rodski said.
"The support of Fiji Airways and Tourism Fiji has helped to make this groundbreaking match become a reality and we can't wait to give Fijians the opportunity to see their NRL stars up close and personal.
"We already have a lot of Fijian talent within our game, and this serves as an incredible opportunity to not only grow the sport we love but help develop the next wave of talent and hopefully give more young men and women the chance to play NRL or NRLW."
Rodski added the NRL has been working incredibly hard to expand the game internationally, to bring more fans to the game and hopefully deepen our talent pool.
"They have been very supportive of our plans to play in Fiji and we think this game will be a great way to fast track some of their plans."
Batiwati said at the launch that the airline is delighted to partner in bringing an NRL-preseason game to Fiji's "reinforcing our commitment to local communities and showcasing Fiji's potential in sports tourism".
"As sponsors of the Melbourne Storm, we invite fans to get on our flights to Fiji to witness top-tier rugby league," he said.
Gavoka said there is no better time to leverage major events.
"We have done in the past and will continue to do so. Our aim is to position Fiji as a destination of choice for such events and to ensure the benefits are far reaching with long lasting impact beyond tourism numbers."
Hill echoed the minister's sentiment.
"This historic NRL clash aligns with our strategic efforts to showcase Fiji's versatility and unique offerings," he said.
"We believe this event will not only captivate sports enthusiasts but will also spotlight Fiji as a destination that seamlessly blends adventure and relaxation."
Storm will spend the week leading into the match in Fiji to connect with the local Fijian community, engaging with schools and local rugby league clubs to provide inspiration and a pathway to those want to play in the NRL.
The Club will also take 160 members of the Storm Executive Club to Fiji as part of their annual business networking initiative.
Storm will also wear a specially designed training t-shirt during the week and the match ball will carry traditional Fiji artwork to recognise the significance of the match.