League signs merchandising deal with Brian Bell

BRIAN Bell signed a one-year partnership agreement with the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) to strengthen the supply of rugby league apparel national wide.
PNGRFL chief executive Reatau Rau described the partnership as a milestone for rugby league.
“Brian Bell is a PNG owned company and this partnership shows the trust they have in us,” Rau said.
“We ventured into merchandising last year and for Brian Bell to come on board is massive for PNGRFL and rugby league.
Rau spoke of the partnerships as a capable one which could reach out to league affiliates, schools and people in rural areas through Brian Bell outlets nationwide.
Brian Bell chairman Ian Clough said supplying the Hunters merchandise nationwide was one way of them helping connect fans with their team.
Brian Bell CEO Cameron Mackellar said partnering with PNG Hunters as a brand was exciting considering the huge following.
“Helping the growth of rugby league in PNG is very important to the Brian Bell group given that it is the number one sport.
“We will help with marketing with our own business through Hunters merchandise in our outlets nationwide in Port Moresby, Lae, Mt Hagen, Kokopo, Madang and Goroka,” Mackellar said.
Rau said there are plans to extend the support to include Brian Bell to promote the PNG Kumuls as a brand as well.
Rau added that they would work in collaboration with their partners and the police to prevent counterfeit merchandise.
Sales of Hunters merchandise abroad will be controlled by Emu Sportswear.
Emu Sportswear managing director John Short said they were working on an online shop for fans in Australia. “We’ll talk to the away teams to take some stock for the fans in Australia,” Short said.
The other partner of the agreement is Gray-Nicholls Sports which will see the Steedan brand rugby league balls as the official ball for PNGRFL and the Hunters.