Prime Minister backs bid for joint Cairns-PNG NRL team to enter competition

Cairns’ joint NRL bid with our nearest international neighbours has been endorsed by the highest office in the land with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese backing the bid, despite blowback from the league’s top boss.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Papua New Guinean Prime Minister James Marape greet the players before the International match between the Australian Women's PMs XIII and PNG Women's PMs XIII at Suncorp Stadium on September 25, 2022 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Cairns’ joint NRL bid with our nearest international neighbours has been endorsed by the highest office in the country with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese backing the bid, despite blowback from the league’s top boss.

The city’s involvement in Papua New Guinea’s quest had been in doubt with NRL CEO Peter V’Landys recently revealing he would prefer the Pacific nation to have its own standalone team.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Papua New Guinean Prime Minister James Marape greet the players before the International match between Australian Men's PMs XIII and PNG Men's PMs XIII at Suncorp Stadium on September 25, 2022 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

But it’s understood the PM supports a shared submission – which includes a men’s and women’s team – citing the geopolitical benefits of forging stronger ties with the emerging nation through rugby league.

When contacted, the Prime Minister’s office declined to comment but a government spokesperson said the team “advances Australia’s national interests” and would strengthen the relationship between the Far North and the Commonwealth nation.

“Partnering in rugby league is a powerful way to build lasting ties between Australia and PNG, contribute to gender equality and promote positive long-term social and economic outcomes for PNG,” the spokesperson said.

“It is recognised that there is a strong bond between Cairns and PNG, based on their geographic proximity, people to people links and a shared love of rugby league.

“The government encourages the people of Cairns to put their best foot forward in making a case to the NRL for Cairns to play a role in any PNG NRL team.”

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reacts before the international women's rugby league match between Australia and Papaua New Guinea at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on September 25, 2022.

It stands in stark contrast to Mr V’Landys’ comments in Townsville last month who said he would prefer to have a team based exclusively north of the Torres Strait.

“There’s discussion as to where the team would be based and we’re starting to lean to base it in Papua New Guinea – build some infrastructure there, build housing, build everything,” Mr V’Landys said recently.

“There’s an opportunity to base them in Australia. But the more I think about it the more I think they may be better based in Papua New Guinea.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese enjoys the atmosphere during the round six NRL match between Canterbury Bulldogs and South Sydney Rabbitohs at Accor Stadium on April 07, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Cairns mayor Terry James said he suspected Mr V’Landys may have been attempting to allay North Queensland Cowboys’ officials fears that the league’s 18th team would syphon resources away from the Townsville-based club.

“I think he’s trying to placate the Cowboys. That’s probably why he said it,” Mr James, who met with Premier Steven Miles to promote the city’s NRL dreams this week, said.

“We’re working with this bid to help progress this proposal. There are a few moving parts to it. We’re just one of the bids.”

Cairns mayoral hopefuls Amy Eden, Binda Warren have also backed the Cairns-PNG NRL pitch.

But fellow candidate Paul Taylor said he would need to see further detail.

“I would be very interested in seeing the full proposal before committing support to the Cairns-PNG NRL bid,” he said.

Community First contender Denis Walls said: “I would love to examine the details when I become to mayor to see if it stacks up.”

In December, Cairns Regional Council resolved to work collaboratively with NRL Bid 25 Ltd, which was established to progress an application for an NRL licence for a PNG based team.

Both PNG Prime Minister Marape and Prime Minister Albanese have publicly stated their support for PNG franchises in the NRL and NRLW.

Earlier this week, former PNG international James Segeyaro signed with FNQRL club Ivanhoes.

Originally published as Prime Minister backs bid for joint Cairns-PNG NRL team to enter competition