The Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) says all players and officials competing at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) have been paid for their pool game commitments.
FNRL executive chairman Rajesh Singh confirmed to RNZ Pacific that every one of the Fiji Bati and Fiji Bulikula players and officials were paid before the teams left for Australia last week.
He said the FNRL is now debt-free, after the organisation cleared its outstanding debt.
Singh said the pre-tournament payment of allowances and clearing of debts were two positive achievements for the FNRL following financial restructures in the past six months.
“We’ve cleared our debts, which was around $300,000 (NZ$225,000),” he said. “And the players and officials have been paid for all their pool games at the World Cup. If they advance to the next round, we’ll make sure they’ll get paid for it.”
Singh said the results have come after the streamlining of expenses and restructuring of the organisation’s financial system following audits.
“I’m grateful to the dedicated staff at the FNRL office for their commitment and sacrifice,” he said.
Fijian players huddle ahead of the Men’s Rugby League World Cup Group A match between Fiji and the Cook Islands at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, Sunday, 18 October 12026.
AAP / Photosport
The Bulikula took the New Zealand Kiwi Ferns to the wire in their opening clash in Newcastle, Sydney on Sunday, only losing 18-12 in the end, with the Kiwi Ferns managing a converted try two minutes from fulltime.
The Bati defeated Cook Islands 40-12 to open their campaign with a convincing win.
Singh said the initial performances were promising, although he believes the second round of matches will be tougher for both teams.
The Bulikula will take on Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby on Saturday. The PNG Orchids won their first game with a 58-4 thrashing of France at home on Saturday.
The Bati take on world champs Australia, who pipped New Zealand 24-22 on in their RLWC opener last Thursday.
Disparity addressed
Meanwhile, Rugby League Players Association president and Dolphins’ forward Feleti Kaufusi has told Australian media that the pay disparity between Australian and other international players needs to be addressed.
Australia is paying AU$40,000 to players for their World Cup commitment, which is an agreement between the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) and the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC).
Other international teams have been tagged at A$850 per match.
Kaufusi said he would formally address the issue in the next Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
“I want more equality in the prizemoney. It is something we will raise in the next CBA,” Kaufusi was reported in the Australia media as saying.
“Australia is always going to get first preference, which is fine, but we need to get to a stage where it is a lot more even.
“It may not be the same, but it should be somewhere thereabouts.”
Meanwhile, the Pacific Island teams are in action again this upcoming weekend.
In the women’s competition, Fetu Samoa, who played brilliantly despite losing to Australia last weekend, will take on Wales in Sydney on Friday evening.
PNG hosts Fiji at home in Port Moresby on Saturday.
In the men’s competition, Tonga take on Lebanon in Sydney on Friday night, PNG face Samoa in Port Moresby on Saturday, Cook Islands battle New Zealand in Christchurch, while Fiji take on Australia in Brisbane on Sunday night.
