While nations like South Africa, Lebanon, Canada and Spain continue to fight for qualification for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, Fiji is sitting pretty knowing they have automatically carved themselves a place in the upcoming tournament.
But that is not enough, especially for the face of former Broncos, Panthers, Maroons and Kangaroos prop Petero Civoniceva as he continues to work behind the scenes to build the bigger picture of rugby league in Fiji.
While building blocks have been laid over the past two World Cups with Fiji making the semi‑finals in their last two attempts, Civoniceva is still looking to create legitimate pathways for the Bati including hopes for a Fijian team to be introduced into the NSW Cup in 2017.
Civoniceva adds that the success of Fijian players in the NRL will act as a cornerstone for the locals to jump across from the favoured rugby union to rugby league.
Players like Eels winger Semi Radradra, Storm powerhouse Marika Koroibete, Knights trio Akuila Uate, Tariq and Korbin Sims and Wests Tigers three‑quarter Kevin Naiqama are examples of who Fijian rugby league are relying on to succeed.
Civoniceva adds that all the local players will also be contracted and paid just like the other Fijian players in other affiliated clubs in Australia.
