20 Oct 2016

Sport: Fiji keen to host rugby league test

11:58 am on 20 October 2016

Fiji rugby league coach Mick Potter is keen for the Bati to host a test match on home soil.

The Bati pipped Toa Samoa 20-18 in Apia two weeks ago, in the first ever test to be played in the Pacific Islands.

Toa Samoa and Fiji Bati players pray post match in Apia.

Toa Samoa and Fiji Bati players pray post match in Apia. Photo: NRL

Suva's ANZ Stadium has hosted Oceania Champions League football, rugby union tests and a Super Rugby match in recent years.

Mick Potter said it was a great occasion playing in Samoa and he would love to see international rugby league come to Fiji.

"The people were just so accomodating. They were just so welcoming and warm and they just couldn't do enough for you and our players, on the back of that, they showed their appreciation to all the Samoans and the people associated with the game they really made it a great occasion and the fans certainly turned out," he said.

"There's probably five times the amount of people in Fiji and they do love their rugby and they love their rugby league as well," he said.

"It would be fantastic to have a test match in Suva where they've got a great facility there.

"I'm not sure whether that will happen in the near future or later on but the Pacific Islands have showed they've got some class players playing in the NRL and also their local comps are getting stronger and women's league and other modified games," said Potter.

"I think anything's possible, with the support that's been given from the NRL and all those development people...trying to facilitate all these opportunities for the Pacific Island nations."

Auckland City and Suva FC clash in an Oceania Champions League match at ANZ Stadium, Suva.

Auckland City and Suva FC clash in an Oceania Champions League match at ANZ Stadium, Suva. Photo: PHOTOSPORT