FIJI National Rugby League (FNRL) received a cash boost from Vodafone for the secondary schools competition which kicks off tomorrow.
The telecommunication giant gave $30,000 for this year's competition to aid in the development of rugby league at grassroots level.
FNRL chairman Peni Musunamasi thanked Vodafone for the sponsorship adding they would make good use of it in exploiting the young and exciting talents.
"FNRL is taking secondary school development seriously this year and moving into another phase in developing younger players for lucrative contracts abroad," Musunamasi said in a statement.
"This year FNRL development officers are keeping an eye on our under-15, 16 and 17 players.
"An elite squad will be selected and they will be developed further in the position they play in."
Vodafone chief marketing officer Sanjeewa Perera is confident the increase of funds would help FNRL organise a safe and competitive games.
"We specially wanted to do this because it's a big year for us as we prepare our Bati for the World Cup in October and it kind of signals that 2013 is a huge year for rugby league and Vodafone," Perera said.
Vodafone has been sponsoring the FNRL secondary schools competition since its inception in 2008.