PNG franchise in NRL a likely boost for relations

A NEW National Rugby League (NRL) team from Papua New Guinea would strengthen the country’s bilateral relationship with Australia, according an official.
PNG Rugby Football League chairman Sandis Tsaka said during the country’s NRL bid launching last week that fielding an NRL team would enhance people-to-people relationships and diplomatic ties.
“Sports diplomacy is a powerful tool,” he said. “Rugby league is an Australian colonial legacy, so we are playing an Australian sport.
“Sports, especially rugby league, can become a vehicle for people-to-people relationships.
“It would strengthen the relationship between Australia and us.
“There are many benefits of having a team in the NRL.
“One important benefit is that it would strengthen our diplomatic relations. A PNG NRL team would provide the impetus to unleash the huge potential for the growth of a thriving sporting industry in PNG that can provide real social and economic benefits for the country.”
Sports Minister Wesley Raminai said during the launching that the bid would need the support of the Australian Government.
“PNG is Australia’s closest neighbour and it’s important to maintain that bilateral relationship,” he said.
Tsaka said he was confident that PNG’s bid would be successful with the support of the Australian Government.
Meanwhile, he said the SP Hunters would continue to compete in Queensland’s Hostplus Cup even if PNG got the nod to field the 18th NRL team.
“The Hunters will always be there in the Hostplus Cup,” he said.
“They will remain in competition and be the feeder club to our NRL side.”