Help welcomed – The National

By ISAIAH MANISH IGISH
The Papua New Guinea NRL Bid stands ready to work with all key stakeholders to facilitate the inclusion of a team into Australia’s top-tier rugby league competition by 2027, Bid chief executive Andrew Hill says.
Hill, who is responsible for PNG’s bid to join the NRL as the 18th team in 2027, said they were focused on delivering a strong and professional bid for the NRL to consider, while leaving political support to the respective governments.
Australian media on Sunday reported that US President Joe Biden’s administration supported Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s plans to expand the NRL into the Pacific.
A spokesperson for the US Embassy in Port Moresby told The National that they were awaiting confirmation from Washington on Biden’s plans.
“As Prime Minister James Marape has stated, we can only control our Bid and ensure that we focus on delivering a strong, viable, sustainable and professional Bid for the NRL to consider,” Hill said.
“The fact the Australian, PNG and United States governments are considering working together to assist our Bid is clearly a major positive.
“Rugby league, and the potential to participate in the NRL competition, is something that the whole country is excited about.”
Hill said he was not aware of support from Biden’s administration as part of a soft diplomacy to counter China’s rapid influence in the Pacific.
“This is a matter between the Australian and US Governments, it has been clear to everyone there has been a focus in the Pacific by many countries.
“This has also been evident through the many world leaders who have visited PNG in the past twelve months.
“The fact that Peter V’Landys travelled to the USA with Prime Minister Albanese last year, was clearly a positive sign for rugby league and the role that the sport can play across the Pacific.”
The Australian Government has pledged A$600 million (about K1.5 billion) over 10 years to support a PNG team in the NRL, with V’landys saying he expected the US would contribute financial support, especially given America’s ambition to strengthen ties in the Pacific as China increased its influence in the region.
Hill said “that is a matter for the two Governments to decide. Rugby league, and in particular the PNG NRL Bid, stand ready to work with all key stakeholders.