QRL trio visit country

 REPRESENTATIVES of the Queensland Ruby League visited PNG over the weekend on a scouting mission for possible entry of a PNG team into the 2014 Intrust Super Cup competition.

The trio consisted of Rick Green (QRL Board member), Jamie O’Connor (general manager competitions) and Brock Schaefer (CEO – Northern Pride).

The visit, organised by the PNG Rugby League Foundation was the next step in ongoing discussions held with the ARLC and QRL representatives putting forward the case for admission into the state-wide competition. PNGRL Foundation CEO Brad Tassell said the visit was a vital one for PNG’s chances.

“It has been a long ongoing process and we have had continual close contact with the Queensland Rugby League and more recently the ARLC about inclusion into the 201 competition. The visit was to address concerns related to expansion of the competition and entry of a national team for PNG into it,” Tassell said.

The visit enabled them to see first hand the passion and commitment of Papua New Guineans from the corporate sector and Government in ensuring entry would be a success.

“We believe both the QRL and PNG will benefit from entry into the Intrust Super Cup. For us it’s about exposing PNG players to a higher level of competition week in week out and having a platform for our players to the NRL competition.” 

With the strong junior programme already in place an cup team is the next logical step in further developing the sport in PNG and providing a pathway for the youth. 

The ARLC are currently undergoing a national review of rugby league in Australia including the NSW and QLD competitions. In a meeting with ARLC representatives Jim Doyle and Andrew Hill about inclusion of a PNG team in the competition, Tassell outlined the structure and positives PNG could bring to the competition.

Completion of the review is expected by the end this month with recommendations presented to the ARLC and QRL for their consideration throughout June.