Fiji’s bid for entry into 2019 NSW Intrust Premiership poised for approval

Fiji’s historic bid for entry into the 2019 New South Wales Intrust Premiership is poised for approval in a significant step towards ultimately fielding an NRL franchise.

On the back of the Bati’s stunning World Cup success, Fiji’s bid team has just about secured the necessary $1.5 million needed to win entry into the second‑tier Australian competition.

All that’s left is for the bid to receive final approval from the Fijian National Rugby League.

Once completed, the NSW-Rugby League board will consider the bid with the NRL’s input.

Fiji’s bid director and Former Vodafone Fiji Bati captain Petero Civoniceva say the three‑year wait was just about over.

Civoniceva says it looks like he is pretty close to securing a major sponsor and is hopeful that Fiji’s performance at this year’s Rugby League World Cup will generate the support they are after.

He says they will need about $1.5 million annually to account for the Fiji team and opposition travel as well.

He adds he is just awaiting an endorsement from the Fiji National Rugby League and he has had endorsements from the NRL, NSW-Rugby League board and the Fijian government.

Source: DailyTelegraph