Support for the Kaiviti Silktails continues through new partnership with New South Wales Rugby League

  • Media Release

The Albanese Labor Government and the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) are excited to partner in support of the continued development of high-performance rugby league in Fiji.

Funded through the PacificAus Sports program, a focus of this investment will be continuing to support the participation of the Kaiviti Silktails in NSWRL competitions. This year, the Silktails are competing in the Jersey Flegg competition for the first time, following successful seasons in the Ron Massey Cup.

This partnership will enhance pathways to elite competition for Fijian rugby league athletes and enable the development of local coaches, match officials, and support staff.

It will also create more opportunities for the next generation of Fijian sporting stars, and highlight Australia and Fiji’s shared love of rugby league as a means to further strengthen our sporting, cultural, and community connections.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“Australia and Fiji share a love of rugby league - this brings our countries and people closer together.

“The Albanese Government is thrilled to renew our partnership with the NSWRL through PacificAus Sports. This will allow the Kaiviti Silktails to keep playing in elite competition, which is great news for rugby league in Australia and Fiji.

“This initiative is part of the Government’s program of sports diplomacy which is bringing Australia and its Pacific partners closer together.”

Quotes attributable to NSWRL Chair Paul Conlon:

“The NSWRL is proud of the partnership we have had with the Australian Government over the past four years, enabling us to play an important role in supporting the ongoing development of future Fijian rugby league stars.

“It is particularly exciting to see the Silktails playing in our Jersey Flegg Cup competition this year and the opportunities this presents to create high performance experiences and pathways.”

Quote attributable to Kaiviti Silktails head coach, Wes Naiqama:

“PacificAus Sports has given up-and-coming Fiji Rugby League players so much support. They get to represent their families, their village, and Fiji by playing in the Jersey Flegg Cup so ultimately they can be noticed by NRL clubs.”


About PacificAus Sports

PacificAus Sports is an Australian Government sports diplomacy initiative developing pathways for Pacific teams and athletes to compete in elite competitions and access high performance coaching in Australia and internationally.

The program partners with Australian national sports organisations to support a range of Pacific sports, including rugby league, rugby union, netball, football, AFL, cricket and Olympic/Paralympic sports, with funding split evenly between women and men.

PacificAus Sports also partners with the Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC) to promote Pacific sport through ABC Television’s ‘That Pacific Sports Show’ and ABC Radio’s ‘Fresh Off the Field’.

The high-performance outcomes of PacificAus Sports are complemented by the Australian Government’s Team Up program, which focuses on sport for development in the Pacific.

For more information about PacificAus Sports and its initiatives, visit www.pacificaussports.gov.au and follow PacificAus Sports on Facebook and Instagram

Media enquiries

  • Minister's office: (02) 6277 7840
  • DFAT Media Liaison: (02) 6261 1555