Tassel: PNG needs world-class stadium

By KEVIN TEME
PNG needs a world-class stadium to host more international matches, according to PNG NRL Bid chief executive officer Grad Tassell.
Tassell made the comments when asked about future arrangements for events such as the Ela Motors Legends of League match at the Lloyd Robson Oval in Port Moresby.
The task of bringing the Australian Legends to PNG was not done overnight. Four months of negotiation with Troy Byers, of the Australian NRL Legends office and PNG NRL Bid office made it possible.
“It is a joint project between the Legends office in Australia and PNG NRL Bid and we could use this as an opportunity for better things to come,” Tassell said.
Tassel said PNG must have a world class standard stadium to make all these happen including hosting some NRL games in PNG.
“I have talked with the Brisbane Broncos and the North Queensland Cowboys to come up here and have their pre-season games,’’ he said.
“It will be a good for them to come so if we can have this stadium, there will be more international matches coming here.
“PNG people are more passionate about sports and it would be great to have such high-profile players coming here,” Tassell said.
Tassell said his team was committed to having a team in the Queensland Cup in 2013 and if other opportunities arise, the bid will take them on.