Why Cairns should be home of 18th NRL team

The federal government’s representative in the Far North believes there should be a “strong conversation” about headquartering a Papua New Guinean NRL team in Cairns.

The federal government’s representative in the Far North believes there should be a “strong conversation” about headquartering a Papua New Guinean NRL team in Cairns.

Cairns could be uniquely placed to become the home of the NRL’s 18th franchise with Australian Rugby League Commission boss Peter V’landys on Sunday revealing plans for an expanded NRL competition had Papua New Guinea at the “top of the list.”

A home base is still to be decided for a Pasifika or PNG team and Federal Senator Nita Green said there should be a strong conversation regarding Cairns being named as its home.

Ms Green has been involved in talks with the PNG government regarding a possible team during recent visits to the country with the Prime Minister and said it was great to see interest from the NRL towards our nearest neighbour.

Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape (L) and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese pose for photos prior to their bilateral meeting in Port Moresby on January 12, 2023. Picture: Andrew Kutan/AFP

“Cairns is closer to Port Moresby than it is to Brisbane, it is a really short flight and it is the main international connection to Port Moresby,” Ms Green said.

“There is a really strong link between Cairns and the Pacific, not only in the families who have ties to our neighbours but also businesses that have links between our countries.

“It makes sense for there to be a strong conversation for what a PNG team would look like and the role of Cairns in that.”

While hosting a Pasifika or PNG team would be a great way for Cairns to strengthen its ties with the Pacific, having a local NRL club would also be huge boost for the future of the sport in the Far North.

Cairns Brothers head of coaching Tim Rumford is one of many people involved in rugby league across the Far North who are working with the region’s junior footballers.

Mr Rumford, who has years of experience in rugby league development across his time in England and the Far North, said the introduction of a new NRL club “within reach” of Cairns would be positive for the next generation.

“A club which has a focus on Far North Queensland as a catchment area is a proposition which is probably the most exciting (aspect) for the pathways teams in community football, definitely,” Mr Rumford said.

Cairns Brothers Rugby League football manager Tim Rumford and player Jordan Biondi at Stan Williams Park. Picture: Anna Rogers

“A team which comes in which is either based here, or within reach of this region, you’d have to think it would be beneficial for participants.

“It’s another avenue where our juniors can reach the pinnacle of the game. It’s got to be good.”

Cairns has previously been touted as the potential full time base for a Pasifika club but any PNG headquarters is yet to be locked in.

“At this stage, we are keeping an open mind in terms of location,” Mr V’landys said on Sunday.

“Cairns has been mentioned, but there is not a set destination.

“We have to investigate whether a PNG team could be part of a joint venture with other entities like North Sydney Bears or the Brisbane Tigers.

“Perth is another location.”

At the NRL level, Far North Queensland is Cowboys country, while Hostplus Cup club Northern Pride has made strides in recent years to reconnect and service more of their expansive footprint.

And while there are occasional visits from other clubs, the region remains largely untouched leaving an enormous opportunity for any new franchise to tap into junior talent and interest.

NRL Chairman Peter V’landys (right) with NRL CEO Andrew Abd. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Mr V’landys confirmed the ARLC has begun negotiations with the Australian government for PNG to enter the NRL and ARLC commissioner Kate Jones was invited by the federal government a fortnight ago to join a trade mission to Papua New Guinea, where the former Queensland state government minister held talks with local league officials.

Liam Horne in action for PNG. Picture: NRL Photos

The move has also been touted as a political coup for Australia, which is ready to deploy “rugby league diplomacy” to combat China’s potential incursion into the Pacific region.

Cairns’ proximity to Papua New Guinea, its existing ties in the Pacific through business and existing communities could be key to strengthening relationships.

“Papua New Guinea is one of our closest neighbours not only geographically but because we share so much in common and a love of rugby league is one of them, so it’s something that we connect with that no other country has so it’s a way for us to offer support and connection at a human level,” Ms Green said.

“In terms of our connection to the Pacific, Cairns is central to that.”

Mr V’Landys said he’d love to see an overall Pacific strategy with other nations like Samoa, Tonga and Fiji involved, but PNG was the key part of the bid.

It is understood the federal government is prepared to provide $25m annually to a PNG-led Pasifika franchise.

No specific money was allocated in the May budget for a PNG team bid, but $89.5m was set aside over four years to “deepen Pacific connections by strengthening cultural and people-to-people ties with the region and promote shared values”.

Cairns Regional Council Mayor Bob Manning, a long time proponent of a PNG NRL team based out of Cairns was contacted for comment.

Originally published as Why Cairns should be home of 18th NRL team