Development vital to bid

THE Papua New Guinea NRL Bid continues to focus on youth development and is starting a brand new academy programme, chief executive Andrew Hill says.
Hill gave an update to The National on the Bid’s progress in getting a PNG team into Australia’s top-flight competition by 2027.
“We have been clear that the Bid must develop young talent across the country as a major priority,” Hill said. “In addition to the development programmes, we are focusing on working with key stakeholders across corporate, community and football to ensure that we are ready to join the NRL.
“In the coming year the Bid will work at creating NRL style ‘best in business’ development programmes, start a corporate partnership opportunity programme and continue to foster a connection between the PNGRFL and Hunters.
“We are also working with Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Deloitte on a business case and financial modelling for the future,” he said of progress of the bid.
There is much interest for a PNG team in the NRL with the recent support from United States President Joe Biden supporting Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s plans to expand NRL into the Pacific.
However, Hill said “there has been no set date for expansion other than recent comments by the ARLC (Australian Rugby League Commission) stating that the NRL would like to be in a position by the end of this season to understand the opportunities for expansion. At this stage we are expecting expansion to commence in 2027”.