PNG expected to be formally named in expanded NRL competition before Christmas
While Papua New Guinea’s bid is complete and secured, Perth continues to cause some consternation for the NRL. See when PNG’s licence will be rubber-stamped and why the Bears remain in hibernation.
Papua New Guinea’s inclusion in an expanded NRL competition is expected to be formally announced before Christmas, in a move that will place even more pressure on the Perth bid.
PNG’s funding has been secured and approved, with possible announcement dates for this month now being discussed.
It could even be as early as next week.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his PNG counterpart, James Marape, will seek to attend the announcement given the $600 million in government funding being invested into the bid.
While PNG’s entry is assured, Perth continues to cause some consternation for the NRL.
This masthead recently revealed the NRL was on the verge of agreeing terms with the Western Australian government on a deal would pave the way for the Perth-based Bears to become the code’s 18th team. It came after ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys held urgent talks with the WA government, which included WA premier Roger Cook and treasurer Rita Saffioti.
While talks were positive, it is growing increasingly unlikely that it would meet the NRL’s timeline, with the governing body’s preference being to announce both franchises’ entry at the same time.
Announcing PNG would place further heat on Perth to finalise a deal with the NRL.
The NRL remains hopeful that Perth can still be ready for NRL inclusion in 2027 – but time is quickly getting away from the Western Australian bid consortium.
Despite the unexpected delays, the NRL still believes Perth will be part of an expanded NRL competition.
There are suggestions that Perth and the NRL are slowly edging towards in-principle support before then progressing to a long-form agreement.
But NRL officials won’t be confident until the entire deal is completed.
The Perth team would still be known as the Bears, whose management is sitting back waiting and watching as negotiations continue.
PNG is still likely to be the 19th team due for NRL entry in 2028.
The PNG announcement, expected to be held in Sydney, will be a momentous moment for the rugby league-mad country.
Pulling together a successful bid which has involved considerable input, finances and red-tape from two Governments, and the challenges emanating from PNG, is a stunning achievement by PNG bid CEO Andrew Hill.
Talks between the PNG bid team, PNG Government and Australian Government have been delicate and complex.
Once officially included in the NRL, PNG can start the arduous task of luring players to Port Moresby, finding appropriate accommodation and searching for an inaugural coach.
There is already a push for PNG bid chairman Wapu Sonk – managing director of Kumul Petroleum – to be PNG’s franchise’s first chairman. Some claim Sonk’s power in PNG rugby league is equal to the influence Sydney Roosters chairman Nick Politis wields in Australian rugby league.
No-one in rugby league was prepared to offer an iron-clad guarantee PNG would be announced before Christmas but well-placed sources indicate it is almost certain.
Once the 18th and 19th sides are named, the race starts for the 20th license with the Christchurch-based Southern Orcas early favourites.
PNG has recorded some wonderful rugby league results this year including the PNG Hunters’ fourth-place finish in the Queensland Cup and the Junior Kumuls having a 22-all drawn game against the Australian Schoolboys.
