Papua New Guinea is set to become the 18th NRL team, according to SEN’s Michelle Bishop.
Michelle Bishop reporting on @VossyBrandySEN that a PNG based team will become the 18th team in the NRL. #NRL pic.twitter.com/CBVS0jssyo
— SEN League (@SENLeague) October 18, 2023
The bid has long been seen as the favourite to land the next NRL license due to the Australian’s Government vocal push and considerable funding set to be put behind it.
Despite this, a PNG team based in Port Moresby has been heavily criticised by many due to the logistical concerns and amount of fan support for the side.
The CEO of the PNG bid, Andrew Hill, boldly claimed the side would be the most supported side in the NRL due to the country’s passionate love for the sport.
“We will be the most well-supported NRL team in the competition,” Hill told SENQ Mornings.
“The PNG Hunters are by far the most well-supported team in the Queensland Cup, it is ridiculous how well-supported (they are).”
Hill confidently stated his belief that the side would be well backed financially by corporate sponsors in the country, along with the Federal Government backing.
“A big focus of ours is around coaching, development, it’s about putting the framework in, that’s a slow burn,” Hill added.
“Some of those other things, corporate support, I giggle, people tell me we won’t have money… some of the biggest companies in the world are based in PNG.
“Newmont (mining company) have just taken over an Australian company, it’s the world’s largest gold mine, they’re based in PNG, they’re a proud organisation doing business in PNG, they’ll be very excited to be partnering with the NRL.
“As will many, many other supporters.”
The bid will likely be confirmed as the next franchise in the coming months with a likely entry date set to be around 2027 or 2028.
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