Australian Government’s big-money backing for PNG NRL team as China threat grows

The Australian Government has put big money behind Papua New Guinea’s bid for an expansion NRL team to combat the threat of China.

Justin Olam of Papua New Guinea. (AAP Image/Joe Castro)

The federal government has laid down the battlelines for the NRL’s 18th team after a senior minister openly declared North Sydney and Western Australia would make “excellent options for 19th or 20th teams”.

Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy has stated his desire for PNG to be granted an NRL licence.

Mr Conroy was in PNG last week to help launch PNG’s expansion proposal where he gave his commitment to a monster $5.5 million development package which will help fast-track PNG’s desire to be part of a growing NRL competition.

PNG are now in the box seat to become the NRL’s 18th team as they battle with the likes of a Perth-based consortium linked with Newtown Jets and another team in Queensland. North Sydney Bears also hold out hope of linking with any potential winning bid team.

But according to Mr Conroy, the government’s plans are clear.

“The Government of Australia wants to see a Papua New Guinea team playing in our NRL competition,” Mr Conroy said in PNG.

“We want to see it happen and we’re here to support it where it makes sense. Ultimately, it’s a question for the NRL, but we’re supporting it.

Pat Conroy is backing a PNG NRL bid. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

“There’s plenty of interest around the 18th franchise and I’ve seen all sorts of people putting their hand up, whether it’s the North Sydney Bears or a team in WA or in New Zealand. I respect their passion.

“I grew up in an area that was North Sydney Bears territory and they lost their team, so I understand their passion. And what I say to them is they will all make excellent options for the 19th or 20th teams.”

The federal government is financially and publicly backing an ambitious bid to have PNG in the NRL to help protect Australia’s interests in the Pacific and ward off the growing influence of China in the region.

The NRL is looking to have a new entity join the competition by 2027.

The initial outlay of funds by the government will go directly to helping development pathway systems in PNG to help produce NRL and NRLW ready players and grow school competitions.

PNG-bid chief executive Andrew Hill said the first priority was to expose youngsters to proper coaching.

Melbourne Storm’s Justin Olam is a star player for PNG. Picture: Getty

“We’ve said all along we need to focus on pathways and the 14-18 age groups,” Hill said. “The support of the Australian Government can underpin the work we have established. PNG is quite a large and diverse country and once we roll out our initial program in Port Moresby we want to go around the country to deliver an equal opportunity program that will create a pathway opportunity for every boy and girl in PNG regardless of where they live.

“We’ve travelled to a number of NRL clubs and met with key stakeholders in the game. We are now at the point where we can start implementing our plan.

“We want to produce our own players. The fact that PNG has not had the same opportunity to develop their talent gives me enormous confidence that once we get our academy model right we will see many more Justin Olam’s and Elsie Albert’s being produced.”

Newtown Jets are hoping to return to the NRL and have aligned with Perth. Jets fans, Saniel Marriner (left) and Dylan Sinclair. Picture: David Swift

The team could be based in Cairns but want to play a majority of their matches in Port Moresby.

PNG will host the annual Prime Minister’s XIII match in September and an Australian Schoolboys team.

PNG bid chairman Wapu Sonk said rugby league is an important vehicle for change in his country.

“I am sure people who don’t know PNG may be surprised at how strong this bid will be and how well supported it will be by the corporate world,” Sonk said. “Rugby league in PNG is far more than just a game, it will unite, inspire and excite the nation.”

Originally published as Australian Government’s big-money backing for PNG NRL team as China threat grows