Fiji has a very exciting team which could really test the English tem in the lead up to the series against New Zealand.

Starting side:

[iKevin Naiqama

Semi Radradra, Sisa Waqa, Waisale Ligoni Naiqama, Marika Koroibete

Darryl Millard
Ryan Millard

Jason Bukuya
Tariq Sims, Korbin Sims
Ashton Sims, Apisai Koroisau, Kane Evans
[/i

This team, especially the outside backs, could create havoc with the England defences. Radaradra and Koroibete are two of the five best wingers in rugby league. (The other three are Brett Morris, Ryan Hall, and Manu Vatuvei).

I take it none of these players play in England so how can we play them has a warm up if the team is not hear

I believe Ashton Sims plays in England.
You could always fly them in if you get stuck.

The only place they're weak is in the halves. Two quality half-backs and they'd be a top side.

Which costs money, as does the accommodation for 35+ people. Plus Fiji RL will want to make something out of it so payments to them for coming. Then the hiring of the ground for what won't be a big crowd.

England v France 3 match series and Yorks v Lancs 3 match series mid-season should be warm up enough for any test series and provide competition for selection for the England side.

Its all part of doing business.
If England can not sell enough tickets to cover the costs then why bother it seems.
What are we talking about around $70k Australian for airfares and a couple of nights accommodation.
Maybe its time to give up.

It's more than a couple of nights. They'd have to be here for around a week. It's airfares, say 5/6 nights accommodation, 6/7 days worth of food, training facilities etc. Payments to players and staff. Plus a "profit" to Fiji RL.

Then the hiring of the stadium. All for what? A 10k crowd? Why don't we just play France and do away with half the costs and, due to top NRL players dropping out, probably get just as competitive a game.

I'd far rather we play Fiji as part of a proper planned fixture rather than as a warm up to a bigger competition.

I can't believe that RL, the greatest game in the world, doesn't have more than 3 decent national teams.
Maybe we should expand ?

I guess it is time for our game to quit

Nrl also paid nrl players to play for Fiji this year. If they were going to fly to England for a game in October you'd be up for
airfares $100k
Accomodation and expenses $40k
Player, coach and staff payment $500k

So how do you think the game will cover this with 10k-15k fans turning out at 20quid a ticket?

Don't believe it!

Oz
NZ
England
Samoa
Fiji
Tonga
Png

All decent national teams. Now if we could raid welsh Union again and Catalans developed players instead of signing antipodes so we might have a couple more competitive sides.

Disappointing that Jean has chosen to be so informal in the use of Semi Radradra Turagasoli Waqavatu's name.