Fiji is set to benefit from a landmark AU$250 million Pacific Rugby League Partnership aimed at growing the sport across the region and creating opportunities for Pacific nations to host NRL and NRLW matches in the future.

The agreement was officially signed in Brisbane on Wednesday, just hours before the State of Origin decider, with leaders from Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Papua New Guinea joining Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for the historic occasion.

Representing Fiji at the launch were Fiji National Rugby League Chairman Rajesh Singh and Vice Chairman Etika Rokobuli.

The partnership stems from the Australian Government’s commitment to support the growth of rugby league in Fiji, Tonga and Samoa, following its decision in late 2024 to fund the entry of a Papua New Guinea team into the NRL.

Under the agreement, Fiji and its Pacific neighbours are expected to benefit from increased investment in rugby league development, pathways, infrastructure and high-performance programmes, while also opening the door for NRL and NRLW matches to potentially be hosted in Pacific Island nations in the future.

The initiative is being hailed as a significant step forward for rugby league in the Pacific, strengthening the region’s connection to the sport and creating new opportunities for players, officials and fans alike.

For Fiji, the partnership marks another major boost for the code as it continues to expand its footprint and develop future generations of rugby league talent.