Coach Joe Rabele Dakuitoga told Radio New Zealand that the players' visa applications had been submitted but they are still waiting for a response.

The two-day event will take place from February 23 to 24.

"We are supposed to fly out on Wednesday [but] at the moment they're still waiting for funds towards our visa - especially visas for the players that are going to participate," said Dakuitoga.

This is not the first time in recent months that Fiji players have had visa issues.

Viliame Kikau was close to missing the Rugby League World Cup semi-final defeat to Australia in November after being stuck in New Zealand due to an expired visa.

Dakuitoga underlined the financial troubles Fiji Rugby League has found itself in.

"After the World Cup there was no money left for our preparation, for everything to be done for this team because we did the trials in December last year and we asked for assistance, if I can prepare a team from the off-season in December and January," he said.

"But after the World Cup there was no funds left for Fiji National Rugby League so they've been struggling for finance and the new contract we've just signed with Vodafone means the funds started coming this month.

"If worst comes to worst the boys will be leaving on Wednesday and the women's team will be travelling on Thursday, if worst comes to worst.

"If not both teams will depart on Wednesday.

"If it's a one day process or two days then we can still leave on Wednesday so it depends on the visa so we're just waiting because we've got all the support letters from Australia National Rugby League."

Papua New Guinea won the inaugural Rugby League Commonwealth Championship in 2014, which was run as an exhibition event alongside the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

The 2018 Rugby League Commonwealth Championship will feature men's, women's and disability under-23 teams in nine-a-side competitions.