Castleford Tigers and Leigh Leopards stars could make huge NRL switch after new development

Last year saw the NRL expand from 16 to 17 teams with Redcliffe Dolphins becoming the newest side in the competition, whilst there’s also been talk of an 18th side based in Papua New Guinea.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is among those who are keen for PNG to have their own NRL side, something that could have a catastrophic effect on Super League.

It would potentially see many PNG stars leave Super League and opt to return down under and represent their home nation’s side in the NRL.

If that were to happen then the likes of Lachlan Lam, Edwin Ipape, Nene Macdonald and Rhyse Martin among others could all be huge losses from Super League.

There’s now another concern as Fiji have started the ball rolling on working towards their own NRL side, with the Pacific Island nation having made strides on the Australian game.

Fiji are reportedly set to field a team in the Jersey Flegg Cup next season, the competition being for under 21s and serving as a training ground for future NRL talent.

The Jersey Flegg Cup is based in New South Wales and acts as the youth comp below the NSW Cup, which is effectively the reserves and NRL feeder competition.

Fiji having a side in the Jersey Flegg Cup will be a major stride towards earning a team in the NSW Cup, and would mimic Papua New Guinea who have a side in the Queensland Cup instead.

PNG are now touted to be granted an NRL side, thus meaning that Fiji are on that same path to earn themselves an NRL side.

That could also be of huge detriment to Super League with plenty of Fijians starring in the competition such as Ben Nakubuwai, King Vuniyayawa and also young talent Jason Qareqare who starred for Fiji in the end of season internationals.

Confirmation of Fiji joining the Jersey Flegg competition came from the Mole and Wide World Of Sports, Fiji’s national team chairman Petero Civoniceva having spoke to the outlet.

Civoniceva said: “It’s a great result for us and we can’t wait to showcase our young talent. Rugby union is the number one code in the country but we are slowly but surely making inroads.”