Taane Milne praises new Pacific Championships promotion format
The Pacific Championships will include a promotion playoff for the first time in 2024, and Fijian winger Taane Milne believes it is a great addition to the competition.
The Oceania rugby league tournament is split into two divisions: Australia, New Zealand and Tonga play for the Pacific Cup, while three of Samoa, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and the Cook Islands compete in the Pacific Bowl.
Now, the winners of the Pacific Bowl will have the opportunity to jump into the top division through a playoff against the third-ranked Pacific Cup team.
“I think it is awesome for us and for the other nations as well — Cook Islands and Papua New Guinea,” Milne said.
“To be able to play Australia or New Zealand would be exciting and it’s something more to play for.
“There is always something on the line when you pull on the Fiji Bati jersey, but this is something extra to get the fire in the belly.”
Rugby league bookmakers are yet to release outright odds for the Pacific Bowl, but Fiji have assembled a strong team that includes Storm prop Tui Kamikamica, Panthers winger Sunia Turuva, Eels winger Maika Sivo and Bulldogs second-rower Viliame Kikau.
“Obviously, Papua New Guinea got the win last year, so they are going to be the team to beat,” Milne continued.
“We have to worry about them first, but the chance for promotion is massive.”
Fiji will play their first match on October 19 against the PNG Kumuls, with the Cook Islands Aitu to follow on October 26.
Both matches are in Fiji, which Milne believes gives his side the edge.
“I can’t wait to play that first game in front of our home crowd,” the South Sydney winger said.
“It means a lot to play the games over there in front of the home crowd.
“I know how passionate Fijians are and grateful, so just to put a smile on their face by playing over there is something I can’t wait to do.
“Every time I step foot in the Fiji camp I feel like it is the pinnacle for me in my career.
“I am really passionate about it and I am really excited for the Pacific Championships.”
The tournament kicks off on October 18 in Brisbane, where Australia ($1.15) are heavy favourites to beat Tonga ($5.50) in the Pacific Cup opener.