Fiji Bati players in Downer Rugby League World Cup 9s to be paid $AUS2,000 per game

Fiji Bati players that play in the Downer Rugby League World Cup 9s which kicks off tomorrow will be paid $AUS2,000 for each game.

For the first time, players from the twelve men's teams and four women's teams involved in the World Cup Nines will each be directly paid by the Rugby League International Federation.

One reason why the Rugby League International Federation is investing in the World Cup Nines is to create new opportunities for the international body to add more revenue.

NRL CEO Todd Greenberg who is a leading member of the Male Champions of Change in Sport group had anounced this year  the "Pathway to Pay Equality" initiative for elite female athletes.

Some big names that will be featuring for Fiji Bati is Paramatta Eels wing Maika Sivo, Melbourne Storm wing Suliasi Vunivalu,  Kevin Naiqama, Apisai Koroisau, Waqa Blake and Penioni Tagituimua.

The Bati is pooled with Tonga, Samoa and Cook Islands.

Fiji will take on Samoa in their first pool match at 9.10pm tomorrow and face Tonga in their second game at 2.10pm, Saturday.

The Bati will take on Cook Islands at 5pm in their third pool match.

The World Cup 9s will be held from tomorrow and Saturday at Bankwest Stadium, Sydney.

NRL.com