NRL team in Cairns: Bob Manning travels to Canberra to talk footy with the Federal Government

A Papua New Guinean NRL team based partly in Cairns would draw footy-mad crowds from all corners of the state, a community representative has claimed.

Cairns mayor Bob Manning travelled to Canberra this week to demand answers from the Federal Government on the prospect of the Far North playing host to a new NRL team.

The federal government has thrown its weight behind the idea of introducing a Papua New Guinean club as the 18th NRL team after announcing $5.5m to help the nation grow its game to the elite level.

Should a team eventually emerge from the cash splash, Cairns is often spoken about as a possible part-time host city.

Mr Manning said he would strongly promote that outcome.

“I hope to come back with an indication that this idea will take some shape,” Mr Manning said.

Cairns is a familiar ground for PNG players. The PNG Hunters have competed in the Queensland Cup since 2013, winning in 2017, and share a strategic NRL pathway with the Dolphins. Picture: Brian Cassey

“I’ll be meeting with one or two people relevant to this issue; we’ll be looking to discuss the government’s interest in this.

“There’s no doubt to the enormity of this … and what it can do for our economy.

“I think there’s every reason to believe this idea has legs … I’m still sure Cairns has a strong role to play.”

A Papua New Guinean NRL team based partly in Cairns would draw footy-mad crowds from all corners of the state, according to Dianne Austrai-Ombiga, the secretary of PNG and Wantoks Association Cairns.

(back, L-R) Dixie Taru and Saraima Aisack with (front, L-R) Olive Tau Davis, Rosemary Omundsen and Relvie Tengdui support the PNG Hunters at Barlow Park. Picture: Brendan Radke

“I can see it bringing big crowds … games played in Cairns would pull PNG supporters from as far as Brisbane. People would drive from Charters Towers and other remote towns just to be at the games,” Ms Austrai-Ombiga said.

The community has good reason to be excited – the stars appear to be almost completely aligned.

Peter V’landys, chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission, recently stated a Papua New Guinean team would be at the top of the list in the NRL’s expansion plans.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has endorsed the idea, and the federal minister for the Pacific Pat Conroy reiterated the government’s support at an event in Port Moresby last week.

The missing assurance concerns the role Cairns could play.

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning has travelled to Canberra this week as part of a ROC delegation, and has Cairns’ NRL prospects on his agenda. Picture: Brendan Radke

Trinity Beach resident Albert Karo, whose father emigrated from Papua New Guinea to Australia and played junior footy for St George, said the idea of Cairns hosting home games made sense as Australian NRL players would be needed to support the club during its formative years.

“I do agree with Cairns hosting some games as an adopted city to PNG,” Mr Karo said.

“We can match it with other countries … we have the talent, we just need some experienced players to be that spine for the team, to duplicate what Wayne Bennet has done with the Dolphins.

“Kids in PNG are playing at a young level, but there’s no structure, there’s no clear pathway for kids to get into the NRL. That’s something we need to address.”

Originally published as NRL team in Cairns: Bob Manning travels to Canberra to talk footy with the Federal Government