Kaiviti Silktails Chair Petero Civoniceva says their partnership with Fiji Airways is massive for them.

Speaking at the announcement in Nadi today, Civoniceva emphasizes the transformative potential of the Silktails in nurturing budding talent through their robust academy and elite development pathway programs.

Civoniceva, revered for his contributions to the game and inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame stresses this exciting new partnership will further assist them in providing the best development opportunities for players aiming to get a shot in the NRL and NRLW.

The 47 year old states that in the last four years of their existence, they have seen amazing growth and player development and progression to further opportunities.

“So far, we have seen one NRL debut, two NRL top 30 contracts, seven Fiji party test caps, six French First Division League and Union contracts, and one Fiji Sevens debut with a host of players progressing to local domestic competitions in both New South Wales and Queensland. Our aim is for further progression into the New South Wales rugby league major competitions.”

Melbourne Storm CEO Justin Rodski says they are excited about bringing a trial game to Fiji next year.

Rodski says they are working through the details with a number of different stakeholders including the NRL, broadcasters and Fiji Airways.

“We’re in the final stages of working through the details of what that would look like, hoping for February next year. That would be the best case scenario. Most likely to be played in Lautoka at Churchill Park. It’s very exciting to be potentially bringing an NRL game to Fiji for the first time.”

He adds this would be a historic event.