When Papua New Guinea went through the group stage of the 2000 World Cup undefeated (including wins over France and Tonga), it appeared rugby league's most passionate nation was on the verge of international significance.
Since then they have failed to win a game in the past two World Cups and have lost their past seven Test matches but as they prepare to host World Cup matches for the first time in PNG in 2017 there is hope on the horizon.
The introduction of the PNG Hunters to Queensland's Intrust Super Cup has exposed a greater number of players to regular competition at a high level and showcased them to NRL and Super League clubs who have come calling.
Now contracted to the Canberra Raiders, Kato Ottio is believed to be close to an NRL start after some strong displays in the Intrust Super NSW Premiership and Rod Griffin has graduated from the Ipswich Jets to a full-time contract with the Wests Tigers.
The return of David Mead to the Kumuls colours gives the team a major boost with Nene Macdonald, Luke Page and Kurt Baptiste also boast NRL experience.
Semi-finalists at the 2013 World Cup, Fiji go into this game without Korbin Sims and Jayson Bukuya due to suspension and Marika Koroibete, Viliame Kikau and Apisai Koroisau due to injury and will rely heavily on the experience of Kevin Naiqama, Akuila Uate and Sisa Waqa out wide and young forwards Kane Evans, Daniel Saifiti and Eloni Vunakece.
Both teams are guaranteed passage into next year's World Cup but with few opportunities to play Test matches need to start building now.
Fiji are currently ranked seventh in the world and the Kumuls 14th (behind Serbia, Italy and Canada) but this represents a chance for PNG to show there is now little between them.