Rugby League International Federation boss Nigel Wood wants the sport to continue to make strides in the Pacific Islands. <\/p>\n
The islands contribute hugely to player numbers in the NRL and Super League and last year's World Cup proved there's a big appetite there for more international games. <\/p>\n
At present that hunger isn't being met as Tonga and Fiji play just one game this year, though Samoa have a busier schedule because they qualified for the Four Nations. <\/p>\n
With the right resources, league could overtake rugby in the islands. The NRL have looked to up the profile of the game there this year with promotional visits by some of their star players. <\/p>\n
\"It's no secret that rugby league is very strong in the Pacific Islands,\" Wood said. <\/p>\n
\"They have got a ready supply of natural athletes and they light up every tournament in which they participate. <\/p>\n
\"It's also no surprise the NRL are developing strategies to continue to develop the sport in those islands. <\/p>\n
\"The same applies in other parts of the world where the sport is not quite as advanced as in the Pacific Islands, but there is still a strong rugby league presence in North America, East Europe and South Africa.\" <\/p>\n
The profits from last year's successful World Cup are being used to grow the sport in places likes the islands, plus money was kept aside for the sport's international governance. <\/p>\n
\"That (World Cup) money was remitted to the international federation at the start of the year,\" Wood said. <\/p>\n
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League targeting Pacific Islands growth<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Rugby League International Federation boss Nigel Wood wants the sport to continue to make strides in the Pacific Islands. The islands contribute hugely to player numbers in the NRL and Super League and last year's World Cup proved there's a big appetite there for more international games. At present that hunger isn't being met as Tonga and Fiji play just one game this year, though Samoa have a busier schedule because they qualified for the Four Nations. Continue reading