CONFIRMED: PNG Co-host 2017 World Cup, 3 games in PNG.

[Burns]

Huge news!!!

Papua New Guinea is celebrating being awarded co-hosting rights for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup with Australia and New Zealand.

In a first for the rugby league-mad nation, PNG will host three pool matches in Port Moresby after the country's government poured $1.4 billion into establishing state-of-the-art facilities, including three brand new stadiums.

"Our aim is to make this Rugby League World Cup the most accessible and fan-friendly ever," said RLWC local organising committee chief Michael Brown in Sydney on Thursday.

"We not only want to see traditional rugby league fans come out to support their national team, we aim to engage with the local communities of all participating teams to deliver an event that celebrates the diversity of cultures and countries playing the greatest game of all.

http://www.nrl.com/png-to-co-host-rugby-league-world-cup/tabid/10874/newsid/90477/default.aspx

Rugby League mad nation, Papua New Guinea will host some rugby league World Cup matches in Port Moresby in September of 2017. The country's Minister for Sports and National Events Justin Tkatchenko told media that “We have signed the deal and we are confirmed to host some rugby league matches of the 2017 rugby league World Cup here in Port Moresby,. We have done our part and I have been in talks with various people at the government level and also in touch with the International rugby league federation and I must assure you that we will host some games here at our world class stadiums in Port Moresby".

Port Moresby now has major stadiums including Sir John Guise stadium (Pacific Games Stadium) with capacity of 18 000 seats, National Stadium (formerly PRL) has capacity of 15 000 seats and Sir Hubert Murray Stadium has a capacity of 20 000.

http://news.pngfacts.com/2015/09/papua-new-guinea-qualifies-to-co-host.html#.VgkMDoxqUdg.facebook


Also of course, PNG have now automatically qualified for the World Cup as co-hosts.

 

[morningstar]

Awesome news. Can't wait to see three packed out stadiums in PNG. Will broadcasters be sent over to cover the games or will they be relying on locals?

 

[deluded pom?]

September!!!!!

 

[Burns]

September!!!!!

Wait! What! How did I miss that!

Um, I'm assuming it's a massive mistake? Current TV rights mean we cant play less footy?

 

[Billythekid]

Fantastic news. Ensures 3 sold out games and a lot of good will in PNG an Australia. Let's hope this is just the start of bigger things for PNG, it's a market that has been left untapped for far too long.

 

[Last Week]

Wait! What! How did I miss that!

Um, I'm assuming it's a massive mistake? Current TV rights mean we cant play less footy?

Well, we could start and finish the season earlier... Lol.

 

[Burns]

Well, we could start and finish the season earlier... Lol.

He haw. Either way, would require coordination with Super League in regards to how they run their season/Challenge Cup.

 

[Last Week]

I dare say it's an error. It will start late October.

 

[axe&smash&crush]

Really great news, we must take ping under our wing. Three sell out crowds in pig will help boost the legitimacy of our cup. I like it

 

[axe&smash&crush]

Png not ping or pig

 

[morningstar]

Artists impression of what I assume will be PNG's world cup venue...

http://www.emtv.com.pg/article.aspx?slug=Rugby-League-s-New-Home-&subcategory=Sports

Construction work is continuing at what will become the home of rugby league in the capital, Port Moresby, at what will be known as the National Football Stadium.

Formerly known as Lloyd Robson Oval, the ground will be transformed from its former state to become a world-class facility.

The sport has been growing in popularity, and with the performance of the PNG Hunters, the construction of the National Football Stadium will elevate this status to previously unseen heights.

The stadium will be of National Rugby League standard, complying with the guidelines of the governing codes for football stadiums.

Once completed it will host local and international rugby league, rugby union, and soccer matches.

With these world-class facilities available, it will provide a more suitable pathway for competition in the county to evolve.

The National Football Stadium will also be used to cater for the upcoming FIFA Under 20 Women’s World Cup next year.

 

[jim_57]

Am I the only one wondering why they don't just play all 3 games at the biggest venue (as above, 25k?) if sell outs are pretty much ensured? I mean, they are all in Port Moresby.