LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Fijian rugby league is poised for a significant enhancement as the Kaiviti Silktails prepare to introduce under-17 and under-19 teams to complement their existing under-21s in the New South Wales Rugby League's age-grade competitions.
According to ABC, this initiative aims to fortify the development pipeline for Fiji's emerging rugby league talent, creating a more defined pathway from junior levels to professional stages.
The expansion follows recent comments from Fiji national coach Wise Kativerata, who stressed the necessity for improved grassroots and junior systems after the Bati faced a heavy defeat to Papua New Guinea in the Pacific Championships.
In the long term, officials aspire for the Silktails to gain entry into the NSW Cup, the second-tier competition just below the NRL, which would provide Fijian players a consistent high-level arena to display their skills.
This expansion signifies a substantial investment in the future of Fijian rugby league and is expected to be crucial in nurturing the next generation of Pacific talent from their home country.