THE Fiji National Rugby League has warned elite players injured while playing at rugby union tournaments will be dropped.
This comes after it was brought to FNRL board's attention that some Bati reps were injured after playing in union sevens tournaments.
As a result, the players failed to attend a fitness test in Suva two weeks ago.
The elite players are part of the local training squad preparing for the World Cup in Australia in October. FNRL chairman Peni Musunamasi said he did not want to stop players from appearing in the 15s code.
"But if they are injured, then they face the possibility of being dropped from the local training squad for the World Cup," Musunamasi said.
"We will go case by case and see the extent of each situation.
"We don't want to put too many rules that stop players from playing."
The FNRL has 43 local elite players who are on a strict training program.
The players are randomly tested to see that they follow the plans laid down by fitness experts.
While there is no specific rule stopping players from migrating between codes, Musunamasi said the FNRL was forking a lot of the expenses in trying to keep players in shape.
Meanwhile, the FNRL board will write to Newcastle Knights winger Wes Naiqama's manager requesting the release of the Fijian star for the World Cup.
Musunamasi said Naiqama had "verbally" confirmed his interest in playing for Fiji.
"We will write to his manager requesting a formal release."
Naiqama joins other National Rugby League players Aston Sims, John Sutton, Akuila Wati and Daryl Millard as automatic inclusions.
Overseas-based players playing in the lower competitions will attend a trial with the 30 local players on September 2.
The final 24 players will be named on October 8.
In the 2008 RLWC, Fiji is grouped with France and Scotland in Pool B.
The Fiji Bati faces France on November 1 at the WIN Stadium in Wollongong.
The second pool match against Scotland will be played at the Bluetongue Stadium in Central Coast on November 5.