The incredible scenes that accompanied the Fijians 58-12 win over the United States of America in Townsville on Saturday night have seen a push for more Fijian involvement in the game.
It was suggested that if the game is looking to include expansion teams, a team based in Fiji should join a potential PNG-based side as candidates for a club license.
Right now that probably looks like a bit of a pipe dream, but there's a genuine argument for the inclusion of a Fijian side in either the Queensland or New South Wales cup competition. Perhaps even as soon as the 2019 season.
You only need to look at the success of the Hunters side that captured the Queensland Cup premiership among amazing scenes in late September to realize the potential. Not only did the Hunters win the QLD Cup Minor Premiership and Premiership trophies in just their fourth season, but the side has given a monumental lift to the national side also.
Ten members of the Hunters squad were named in the 24-man PNG World Cup squad, including the Queensland Cup's Player of the Year, and Man of the Match in the Grand Final, Ase Boas.
The Hunters also provide a side for the Rugby League mad nation to support on a weekly basis. I doubt anyone who saw the tears in the stands as Willie Minoga's late try captured the Intrust Super Cup trophy, will forget those scenes.
That moment alone was more than enough to justify all the hard work that has gone into the Hunters set up.
If that didn't, last Saturday's scoreline surely did.
The Kumuls are currently ranked 16th in World rankings, but I guarantee you they are far better than that. Their ranking will surely rise at the conclusion of the World Cup tournament, and it's not crazy to suggest a top five or six ranking is not beyond them.
With three home games in their pool matches, the Kumuls are red hot favourites to advance to the finals. They played in the quarterfinals of the 2000 World Cup, and I would be shocked if they did not at least equal that achievement in 2017.
Although they may have sat in the same position eventually, I don't think there's an argument that can be made to suggest the emergence would have happened anywhere near as quickly if not for the Hunters.
I believe if a Fijian NSW Cup side was set up in the same way, similar results could be produced.
For it to work, the squad would have to be built around Fijian born players. Of course, a veteran or two could be brought in to provide some direction for younger players, but the reason the Hunters have been so successful if that the side is made up of PNG players.
Former PNG international Michael Marum coaches both the Hunters and Kumuls. I'd love to see a Fijian coach put in charge also, although it may be of benefit to bring in an experienced coach to help set up the side from scratch.
There's plenty of talent in Fiji, and a side set up to foster that talent might see more Fijian youngsters come through the ranks. It would certainly provide a very realistic goal for players with dreams of representing their homeland, or even playing in the NRL competition.
For the game to grow internationally we need nations outside of the big three playing regular international football to improve and ultimately challenge the Roos, Kiwis and Lions.
PNG has improved out of sight, Ireland looks ready to establish themselves, and Tonga boasts a side that could match almost any. Fiji has already started the World Cup in the best possible way, and now the key is to capitalise on that bright start.
With players such as Suliasi Vunivalu and Jarryd Hayne lighting up the NRL, and now representing the Bati on the world stage, you tell me there aren't hundreds of kids kicking a footy around the island with dreams of one day emulating their heroes.
A NSW or Qld Cup side could speed up that process. It has certainly worked for PNG and there is no reason a Fijian side can't provide similar success.
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