Fiji Bati’s Head Coach Wise Kativerata has put forward a bold proposal for a historic collaboration between Papua New Guinea and Fiji, suggesting the creation of a joint team in an New South Wales Cup to secure the future of rugby league in both nations.

In the wake of the Pacific Bowl Championship test, Kativerata argued that for Rugby League to truly grow, the two pacific brothers must unite to create a professional pathway for their upcoming athletes.

"To me personally, I think we should have a New South Wales Cup team with the (PNG) Hunters to feed the Papua New Guinea team," Kativerata stated.

"It's important that we work together. Not only grow Papua New Guinea but grow Fiji too."

Moreover, he highlighted the shared challenges and strengths of the two countries, noting their similar cultures and the power of sport to unite communities. However, he pointed out that Fiji lacks the established development system that PNG has built with its SP Hunters team.

"Because no one else will do it, we might as well do it ourselves," Kativerata said, emphasizing the need for a united-driven solution.

His vision extends beyond a senior team, suggesting exchanges at youth levels to strengthen the talent pool from the ground up.

"Bringing the young under-17, under-19 team to come and play against your boys. we can help each other on that."

This call for a unified Pacific pathway is a direct response to the competitive disadvantage faced by Fiji, where rugby union is the dominant sport.

Coach Kativerata believes, by sharing resources and talent with PNG, both nations can build a stronger, more sustainable future for rugby league, ultimately leading to greater success on the world stage.