Fiji captain Kevin Naiqama hopes the potential return of a Pacific Cup will allow him to prolong his international career.
Naiqama was in tears in the Bati sheds following their loss to Papua New Guinea on Saturday night, with the 29-year-old unsure if he will have another chance to represent Fiji.
The Wests Tigers back will move to the English Super League at the end of this year, meaning he is unlikely to be available for any further mid-year Tests for the countries.
However, he is hopeful the Pacific Cup will return at the end of 2019, ending a 10-year hiatus for the competition that would feature the likes of Tonga, Samoa, PNG and Fiji.
“Tonga, Samoa and PNG are definitely on board with end-of-year Tests,” Naiqama told AAP.
“I feel like a Pacific Cup is definitely the next step. All the boys will be putting their hands up to play in that space.
“The Rugby League Players Association have met up with all the respective countries during the week and we understand what needs to be done.
“It’s a big process but all countries are on board. We need everyone and every organisation working together if we’re going to make it work.”
The issue was a key talking point in the lead up to this year’s mid-season Test, with Rugby League International Federation chairman John Grant revealing the tournament was on the cards.
It comes at a changing time in the Pacific game, with Tonga pushing hard for a Test against Australia at the end of this year and Samoa also aiming for more games with tier-one nations.
Tonga helped their claims with a defeat of Samoa on Saturday night in front of almost 18,000 fans, and want an annual game against New Zealand to also be played.
But Samoan coach Matt Parish insisted it was important it was a case of adding to the calendar, given the success of the Pacific nations facing off.
“It’s like our Origin,” Parish said.
“Personally I would like to see the Pacific nations calendared into the international calendar just like Australia, England and New Zealand.
“At the moment, we feel that those teams dominate international football.
“If they want to grow the game, they’ve got to include the Pacific Islands.”
