At least two NRL clubs will play annual trial matches in the Pacific Islands starting from 2020.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the new deal from Suva on Friday.
According to NRL.com, two teams will play official trial matches in the region in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
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The NRL has not announced which clubs will feature in the trials but has said that they will visit the region for more than just the match.
Players will spend a number of days in the region before and after the trial fixtures, participating in a range of programs for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
These include programs that involve "social inclusion, participation, equality and health and wellbeing" according to NRL.com .
Australian PM Scott Morrison praised Fijians on their athletic abilities at a rugby league exhibition event. PM Morrison indicated major Government support towards the Fiji Rugby League through Australia-Pacific sports linkages program. #Fiji #FijiNews pic.twitter.com/59o1NlaU7D
— Fijian Government (@FijianGovt) January 18, 2019
Massive news for Rugby League in Fiji & the Pacific Islands🇫🇯🏉 3 @NRL Trial matches over the next 3 years & DFAT assistance to help enter a Fiji NSWRL Team, also targeting health, equality & wellbeing in communities💪🏼
— Ashton Sims (@ashtonsims26) January 17, 2019
Go get it Skipp! @PetCivo #PacificRugbyLeague #FijiBati https://t.co/I53nQV37rF
Thank you too Prime Minister Scott Morrison for attending todays Event and allowing us the opportunity to showcase the talent of both our elite and grassroot level athletes in Rugby League!#sportdiplomacy #sportdevelopment #AusPM @AustralianGovt@ScottMorrisonMP @NRL pic.twitter.com/GGqnYHKa5t
— NRL in FIJI (@NRLFIJI) January 17, 2019
The announcement follows the Federal Government providing financial support towards a Fijian rugby league team competing in the NSW Cup competition.
Bridget McKenzie, the Minister for Sport, believes that this announcement will help grow the game of rugby league in the region.
"Rugby League is incredibly popular in the Pacific Islands," she said.
"If we can translate that into greater grassroots participation, we know that it will lead to more active and healthier participants."
The push to get a Fijian team into the NSW Cup follows the success of the Papua New Guinea Hunters in the Queensland Intrust Super Cup.
The Hunters won their inaugural Premiership in 2017, and have finished in the top eight in every year they've been in the competition.
A Fijian team is expected to enter the NSW Cup in 2020.
