Lloyd Robson, still the best venue for league

 THE Lloyd Robson Oval has a well-earned reputation as the leading rugby league venue in Papua New Guinea.

Although in terms of size and capacity, not to mention amenities and  parking space, it is a far cry from Suncorp or the SFS (Sydney Football Stadium) now called Allianz Stadium, the Lloyd Robson or PRL as it is commonly referred to, is undoubtedly the home of rugby league in PNG.

Seating just under 8,000, the stadium built in the 1950s by the then colonial administration, is steeped in PNG rugby league history and folklore from hosting local competitions to Tests and international games. 

Only Lae’s blandly named rugby league ground can rival LRO in terms of the quality of the surface and the stands.

Despite the Digicel Cup heading into its 23rd year, there has been little in the way of infrastructure development for grounds around the country. As it stands, Kalabond in Kokopo, the National Sports Institute in Goroka and Kagamuga in Mt Hagen have the semblance of a decent football field, but none have the charm, the history or the longevity of the Lloyd Robson, which is still the country’s premier sports track.