Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

Fiji players finally paid for RLWC efforts

Rugby league officials hope Fiji will play PNG in next month's international weekend after a resolution of the country's pay dispute.

The long-running pay dispute between Fiji's rugby league officials and its national team is reportedly over after a loan from the Rugby League International Federation.

Fairfax Media reports that Fiji's players have only recently been paid for their efforts in the Rugby League World Cup, which concluded last December.

In that tournament, Fiji scored the biggest upset when they stunned New Zealand in the quarter-finals.

Fiji's side included NRL stars Jarryd Hayne, Kane Evans, Akuila Uate, Kevin Naiqama, Ashton Sims and Suliasi Vunivalu.

Each player has now reportedly received their payment for the event, just over $3,000, after the RLIF made a loan to the Fijian National Rugby League.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Now the players have been paid, it is hoped they will back down on their threat to boycott future Tests and a proposed match against Papua New Guinea at Campbelltown Stadium can go ahead on June 23.

RLIF chairman John Grant said the loan was a last resort to resolve a difficult situation.

"Our responsibility is to look after the reputation of international rugby league," Grant told Fairfax.

"If it means money can't be resolved by factors other than us, we're going to resolve it, no question whatsoever."


2 min read

Published

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world