Rugby league pay gap

Pacific nations call for action on rugby league pay gap

The lead-in to the World Cup has been dominated by some high profile names forgoing the chance to play for the Kiwis and Kangaroos, instead choosing to represent their Pacific heritage.

Toa Samoa coach Matt Parish believes this will be the most competitive World Cup yet but said the Rugby League International Federation needs to take the lead in addressing the financial disparity between the haves and have-nots.

"They need to have some spine and make sure that every team in the tournament gets the same amount of money, then we will see a much evener contest," he said.