Broncos duo aid Bid

THE  PNG NRL Bid will officially launch its membership and merchandise campaign today with the assistance of two rugby league stars from the Brisbane Broncos NRL team.
Queensland State of Origin player Corey Parker and Great Britain Four Nation’s representative Jack Reed arrive in Port Moresby as special guests to launch the Bid’s membership and merchandise campaign at Vision City from 4.30pm today.
The Bid will also officially launch its online membership-merchandise sales programme and will feature both Broncos players.
People will get a free gift for each item purchased plus a live performance by Jokema.
PNG NRL Bid chairman Philemon Embel said the launch was important to the Bid.
“It is important that we are able to show the NRL that we develop a history of strong merchandise sales and membership support towards a possible inclusion into the NRL in the future.
“Again, along with our other programmes we have to lay the foundations and build towards the ultimate goal of a team in the NRL in the future.
“That has to start now and by Papua New Guineans showing their support by wearing the Bid merchandise and joining up as members we can tick of another box by showing PNG has a strong membership and supporter base for an NRL team in the future. 
“We encourage as many fans as possible to be down at Vision city to show your support,” Embel said.
Bid chief executive officer Brad Tassell said the development of online sales was a significant aspect of the Bid.
“We have a massive database of enquiries on becoming members and purchasing merchandise from within PNG and around the world.
“I am constantly receiving letters and messages of support from overseas and we now have our online sales up and running at our website www.pngnrlbid.com.
“This means that from anywhere in PNG or the world supporters can go online and sign up as members and/or purchase merchandise.
“It’s a big plus for the programme and shows we are professional and serious about securing as much support as we can, not just from within PNG but across the world.
“This will again make the NRL sit up and take notice of PNG as a rugby league-mad nation that deserves a chance of future inclusion into the NRL.”
Parker said he and Reed were looking forward to the launch.
“We are really excited to help our PNG friends. 
“We’re proud to wear the PNG colours and promote the game in this country with the PNG NRL Bid. 
“We look forward to meeting Broncos and league fans today at the launch.  We urge everyone to get behind the Bid and become a member and create history”
Tassell added: “It is great for the Bid programme to have the support of what is widely regarded as the most professional NRL franchise in the Broncos.
“I know the management, board and players are fully supportive of a PNG-based NRL team.
“The partnership with the Broncos is a lot more than face value.
“We will have access to their management and staff to train our own staff to better equip ourselves to know and understand what it takes to run a professional sporting organisation.
“My view is that you have to learn from the best to be the best,” Tassell said.