Motu Koita wants recognition in bid drive

THE PNG NRL Bid team and the National Government have been urged to recognise the vital part Motu Koitabuans will play in driving the bid for a PNG franchise team to enter the NRL competition.
Motu Koita Assembly chairman Miria Ikupu told a press conference that the bid team’s options of developing the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium into a NRL stadium would not eventuate unless the assembly gave the green light.
Ikupu said without the people of Motu Koitabu, there would be no NRL franchise team for PNG.
“That stadium is on our land and no stadium means no NRL franchise.
“The NRL Bid team and the Government should recognise the vital part the Motu Koitabuans will play in the creation of this new PNG NRL franchise for PNG,” Ikupu said.
He also added that land was a big part of the lives of the people of Motu Koitabu and it was always a sensitive issue when land was involved.
He added without the support of Motu Koitabu Assembly there would be no franchise for PNG.
It is understood that a PNG NRL Bid team board member Graham Osborne met early last week with representatives of Motu Koitabu to negotiate the arrangements for the stadium to be transformed into a NRL standard oval.
THE PNG NRL Bid team is looking at developing the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium similar to the Gold Coast Titans home ground, the Skilled Park.
The bid team is still awaiting response from assembly to respond to their request.