Petero Civoniceva believes the admission of a Fiji team to the NSW Cup competition will be a stepping stone to a Pacific islands side joining the NRL.
Civoniceva has been in talks with NSW Rugby League and the NRL about a Suva‑based team joining the second-tier NSW Cup competition in 2016.
The team which will have a training base in Suva and play out of the city’s ANZ Stadium, will comprise of players eligible for Bati selection who reside in Fiji.
Civoniceva expects a number of rugby union stars to switch codes for the opportunity to showcase their talents to NRL clubs.
