Rugby league Test in Qatar: Kangaroos could play Tonga in double header with Fiji playing Samoa
AUSTRALIA could play a Test match against Tonga in Qatar this year in a shock bid to take the Kangaroos’ famous brand into the Middle East.
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AUSTRALIA could play a historic Test match against Tonga in Qatar this year in a shock bid to take the Kangaroos’ famous brand into the Middle East.
The Daily Telegraph understands the game would be part of a double header with a Jarryd Hayne-led Fiji playing Samoa.
Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has engaged in meetings to determine whether the game-changing proposal would proceed.
Meninga hopes to play the Test match in Doha, Qatar, on October 20, a week after the Kangaroos Test against New Zealand, scheduled for October 13.
Sydney-born, Qatar-based entrepreneur Michael Ibrahim spoke to Meninga last week at Sydney’s Entertainment Quarter about the potential match.
Ibrahim, rated one of the world’s most connected men by Middle East media, will return to Qatar on Friday to continue beefing up the proposal, which could include the assistance of Qatar Airlines.
“It’s exciting — we’re putting together a financial package for Michael to see what this would cost,” Meninga said at yesterday’s Fox League launch.
“There’s certainly interest — we have to investigate all opportunities. We need to gauge the interest, then talk to the players and then the Player’s Association about it.
“There would be a proposal about what a game would cost over there. Michael is going over to seek interest and then we will hopefully keep talking.
”This would be a great opportunity for the players and international rugby league to spread its wings.
“You would need to cover your costs but you’ve got Qatar Airlines, accommodation, I’m sure they could sort it all out. Equity and payments, they are also important discussions to have.
“It would be new money too. It’s a possibility if we can find the right medium.”
October would be winter in Qatar, ensuring cooler playing conditions inside stadiums with airconditioning.
The men behind the plan are Ibrahim, a rugby league tragic, and Qatar Rugby Federation president Yousef al Kuwari.
Australian players quickly canvassed by The Daily Telegraph offered instant approval to the plan. Meninga will open officials talks with Tonga, Fiji and Samoan officials once a final proposal from Qatar is lodged.
The national coach is yet to formally discuss the plan with NRL officials.
“They have great stadia there — they are hosting the soccer World Cup in 2022,” Meninga said. “We are looking at all our options to see what we can do.”
Ibrahim, who has worked in the Middle East for the past 18 years, is a massive St George-Illawarra Dragons supporter.
“This would be an amazing opportunity for Australian rugby league and sport in general,” said Ibrahim, aged 44.
“It would open the door to one of the most generous and wealthy countries in the world and would showcase what a peaceful and harmonious country Qatar is.
“Qatar is pushing to be the hub of sports.”
New Zealand plan to tour England later this year while Australia, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga could be based in Qatar.