PNG can host more matches

 THERE could be a slender opening for the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) to host international touring teams as they did in the past.

Visiting 2013 World Cup executive director and English Super League boss Nigel Woods, pictured, said this could materialise in the near future but only if the development trend was maintained.

Woods, who is making visits to the 14 competing countries to check on their build-up, said he appreciated the efforts of the national government through Sports and Pacific Games Minister Justin Tkatchenko, whose intervention had put rugby league back on track.

 “Your plans for three to four years down the track are compelling and I believe your minister, acting as a catalyst, has done the best thing to ensure your local league is setting the stage for the future,” he said.

“From the plans that I have seen, I’m sure you will have an exciting programme down the track that will ensure a strong-hold on a sustainable basis.” 

Woods said with the growth and positive pathway the PNGRFL was headed on, the world body may reconsider bringing back regular international matches from touring teams in the lead-up to the next World Cup in 2017. 

He said there were strong indications that the 2017 World Cup had a strong bid from Australia and New Zealand. 

Woods indicated that if the scenario looked good and the management ensured ongoing development, there could be a window of opportunity for international lead-up matches.