THE 2017 World Cup has captured the public’s imagination and breathed life into the game.

The success of minnow nations Tonga and Fiji, as well as the likes of Papua New Guinea, have ignited calls for an annual series between the Pacific nations.

League legend Matty Johns says rugby league must capitalise on the upswing of support and move quickly to make the most of the Cup’s success.

He told Triple M Grill Team what must happen next to ensure continued growth of the game.

“What happens next is so important to really capitalise on the gains that have been made,” Johns said on Monday.

“They should have a four-team competition between these Pacific nations, from there you pick a Pacific nations representative side to play Australia in a test match.

“The interest around the Pacific nations can sustain interest in the game.”

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Apisai Koroisau of Fiji swaps jerseys with Cameron Smith.

Australia and England will square off in the Cup final on Saturday, but it’s the tier two nations who have arguably garnered more interest from the rugby league public.

PNG already has a team in the Queensland Cup, and plans are in motion to get a Fiji side playing in the NSW competition in the coming years.

Johns’ Grill Team co-host Mark Geyer wants the NRL to halt for a month mid-season to allow for representative games, including matches between Pacific nations.

“We keep talking about player burn out around Origin and I hate split rounds, they’re just not good for the game, we lose momentum,” Geyer said.

“I’d rather see the (NRL) competition stopped for a month and then we play the emerging nations, and even the girls — Australia v New Zealand in the womens.”