NRL CEO Todd Greenberg says he's looking to see more match-ups between the game's first and second tier nations, after the success of last year's World Cup.
In the past, tier one nations (Australia, New Zealand, England) would only face those below them in tournaments such as the Four Nations and Rugby League World Cups.
However, with last year's World Cup seeing both Fiji and Tonga reach the semi-finals, Greenberg is confident that the smaller nations are more than capable of matching those above them.
Speaking to 1 NEWS at the Warriors' clash with the Penrith Panthers two weeks ago, Greenberg spoke in favour of giving the supposed second tier more regular gametime.
"To grow the sport, we have to ensure that those emerging nations, like Tonga, Samoa, PNG (Papua New Guinea) and Fiji, have more opportunities to play the tier one nations," he said.
"It's the start of what I think will be a much bigger calendar."
Greenberg also said that the door wasn't shut on tier one status for the smaller nations, giving the example of Tonga to ascend to the game's top table.
"When Jason Taumalolo sits in front of you and says 'I want to play for my nation', that means a lot."
"We've got to continue to provide opportunities for players like him, and for the next generation of those players, to aspire to play for their nations.
"If they continue with that level of passion, we'll get great outcomes."
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