While there is much to admire, learn and study about rugby league’s diplomacy, there is a growing need for rugby union and rugby league to work together. In December, the Australian government announced a landmark $600 million investment into Pacific Rugby League. These initiatives are developed in partnership with diplomats, Pacific unions and Rugby Australia, generating the trust and goodwill of Pacific governments. To be fair, through some deft diplomacy, rugby league has earned its place in parts of the Pacific, most notably in PNG. Preserving Pacific rugby union through balanced funding is not only the right thing to do but a strategic imperative.