More Fiji rugby league players are being contracted to the Cook Islands for semi-professional competitions.
They are also expected to get hefty pay cheques with an average $NZ12,000 ($FJ19,000) for a five-month contract in Rarotonga.
This week, three more Fijians leave for the Cook Islands.
Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) assistant national coach, Jo Dakuitoga, said Fijian players were in demand following the success of the Vodafone
Fiji Bati outing in last year’s Rugby League World Cup in the United Kingdom.
“Clubs in the Cook Islands started recruiting some of our players from last year. The numbers had gone up because of the Vodafone Fiji Bati reputation at the World Cup,” Rabele said.
“This is good news and a good sign in our development.”
Players leaving on Thursday will include RLWC rep Ilisavani Jegesa. He leaves with Nadera Panthers’ Iliesa Cakau and Makoi Bulldogs’ Sisa Bale.
Ravatudei is interim GM.
Fiji National Rugby League deputy chairman, Josefa Ravatudei, is now the interim general manager as well. This was confirmed in FNRL’s Board meeting in Suva on Wednesday night.
When contacted Ravatudei confirmed that he is now seeing the day-to-day operations of FNRL.
“All the FNRL staff members have got their contracts expired but we are having some of them working to continue on our operation,” he said.
Ravatudei confirmed that all the vacant positions have been advertised and it should be filled by the end of the month.
It is understood the FNRL board has tasked general manager Tomi Finau with special assignments to be produced before the annual general meeting on March 8.
Suva (Fiji Sun)
