PNG bid for NRL

[mikail-eagle]

http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20110921/sport04.htm

Lae hosts schoolboys titles
By CHARLES YAPUMI
It has been more than 20 years since a nationwide all schools junior rugby league competition was held in the country to scout for the next breed of PNG Kumul players.
The Coca-Cola National Rugby League Schoolboys championships is been resurrected and will be staged in Lae, Morobe Province, this weekend.
The opening game will be played as a curtain raiser to the Prime Ministers XIII fixture between the PNG Kumuls and Australian Kangaroos.
The PNG NRL Bid and Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League who are working together to develop and promote junior rugby in the country have revealed the names of 80 players who will be representing Northern and New Guinea Islands regions in the Under 15 and Under 16 divisions.
These players were selected after 10 weeks of intensive inter-school competition.
The Northern Zone trails were held in Lae with more than 300 schoolboys from 16 schools competing, while NGI zone saw more than 500 boys battling it out in Kokopo, East New Britain Province.
According to a statement released by PNG NRL Bid office all players were put through a rigourous selection process based on consistency and performance on and off the field, and school attendance to get a place in their regional team.
Southern region has already named their squad and all are set for the showdown in Lae.
PNG Insurance Company INSPAC have stepped in to assistance each players insurance cover under the bid’s program.
Schoolboys rugby league was revived by former Kumul Ifisoe Segeyaro as a stepping stone to developing future Kumuls.

 

[mikail-eagle]

http://www.pngnrlbid.com/index.php?page_id=143

PNG NRL BID & PNGRFL Announce Development Squads


The PNG NRL BID/PNGRFL today announced the U15 & U17 Development Squads which will take part in a development camp in Port Moresby in November, 2011.
The squads were selected from the Coca-Cola National Schoolboys Championships held in Lae from the 24th September to the 27th September.
The Coca-Cola National Championships featured Zone representative teams in U15 & U17 from the 4 x major zones – Islands, Highlands, Northern and Southern. It was the culmination of the National All Schools Program which has been running since June of this year with over 120 schools, involving over 5,000 participants.
The Championships were a huge success according to PNG NRL BID CEO Brad Tassell;
“It was a fantastic weekend with 184 players and officials converging on Lae to take part in the Championships. Three games were played as curtain raisers to the PM13 match in front of a capacity crowd, which was a great experience for the kids. We also had a full day of competition across two venues on Monday, with a presentation dinner held on Monday night to present trophies and announce the 2 development squads.”
The U15 Championships were taken out by Southern Zone in a count back on for and against over Northern Zone, with the U17 Championships taken out by NGI Zone with Southern runners up.
U15 Player of the Carnival was presented to Ereman Ken from Northern Zone, while the U17 Player of the Carnival was awarded to Samuel Kult from Southern Zone.
Tassell said the Championships were played in great spirit;
“There were some hard, tough and very close contests but the games were played in fantastic spirit with all players showing great camaraderie throughout the weekend. It is important that this happens as when the players come together at the camp from all areas they must get on well together and understand that they have an opportunity to represent the best of PNG with pride.

The U15 Development Squad Named:
Tauei Moses, Lucas Gedesa, Tony Wemin, Jeff Jero, Moclay Wemin Bani, Elijah Tau, Newman Waikilin, Sibona Seri Hegame, Kenneth Sendery (Southern).
Tasi Kui, Napolean Ilofa, Jehuda Sipa, Joseph Paul, Lavax Ketauwo (Highlands)
Simon Penaki, Michael Kavie (New Guinea Islands)
Clifford Wanoko, Wesley Hondo, Robert Manesen, Ereman Ken, Bill Paul (Northern)
The U17 Development Squad Named:
Patrick Inapero, Fero Jomate, Nogo Ore (Highlands)
Ben Wemin, Samuel Kult, Paul Dickson, Abel Vagi, Steven Doriga, Pales Andein, Max
Doriga, Gahuna Silas (Southern)
Mafus Kalus, Eddie Motoro, Alsano Kaulo (Northern)
Konie Bernard, John Luana, Jamieson John, John Blaise Dau, Hemson Lavu, Jeremy
Paliabutu, Elikim Lukara (New Guinea Islands)
All players named for the Development Camp will receive a K1,000 scholarship which will be used to cover Education and/or purchase of Football Equipment. The attendees will also be monitored of their progress closely by BID Development Manager Shane Morris.
Four players for the Development camp will be selected to attend the Brisbane Broncos Elite
Development Camp in December in Brisbane.
The National All Schools Program is a joint partnership of the PNGRFL & the PNG NRL BID.
Over K1 million will be invested in the program for the 2011 year, which includes cash grants, funding and distribution to Zones, Zone & National Championships, Development camps, Broncos Development camp attendees, Coach, FAO and referee education courses.
The program will continue to evolve and develop with a full review and planning session organised for the end of 2011. All squad members will continue to be monitored as the program progresses.
PNGRFL Interim Chairman John Numapo said the program had the full support of the PNGRFL;
“It is a fantastic program and is a perfect example of two Rugby League bodies working together, hand in hand, to deliver a development program for the good of Rugby League in PNG. There are no egos in our partnership, there are no hidden agendas, no one is in it for their own personal gains – the partnership in the program is purely about our youth in PNG and giving them a chance to show what they can do. This program provides an actual pathway to the youth of PNG where talented kids can be identified and nurtured. These kids could be our future Kumuls and they have a once in a lifetime chance to be seen by NRL team scouts and pursue a possible career in Rugby League. The program is vital and we thank the PNG NRL BID for their knowledge and guidance in designing and implementing it
on behalf of both organisations.”

 

[Perth Red]

Would love to see the WA Reds play a Under18's PNG rep team in January as a warm up for SG Ball, would be good to see if there are any PNG jnr's able and willing to come over to play SG Ball for WA. A link up would be great to see.

 

[mikail-eagle]

would be good to see if there are any PNG jnr's able and willing to come over to play SG Ball for WA. A link up would be great to see.

I think If given the opportunity by any Aust team, none of these Juniors would let a chance like that go to waste.

 

[Goddo]

They have given up on an NRL licence.

Would it be reasonable to close this thread now, or move discussion to the Queensland sub forum?

 

[mikail-eagle]

They have given up on an NRL licence.

Is it official ?

 

[East Coast Tiger]

No. It's a lie.

 

[Perth Red]

Well in typical PNG style the Prime Minister says no to an NRL bid but the deputy prime minister says yes it should keep going!

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/new...g-deal-the-flick/story-e6frg7mf-1226103786364

 

[Jankuloski]

That article is about Broncos dropping their sponsorship.

 

[mikail-eagle]

http://www.pngnrlbid.com/index.php?page_id=153

PNG NRL BID ANNOUNCES DEVELOPMENT CAMPS

The PNG NRL Bid 2011 Development Camps have been announced today with the first to be held at the University of Port Moresby commencing on Monday 7th November.
The first three day camp will feature the U15 development players selected from the recent Coca-Cola All Schools National Championships held in Lae. The second camp to be held from the 28th November features the U17 development players selected from the same tournament.
PNG NRL BID Development Manager Shane Morris will again put the players through a rigorous program designed to improve themselves as players and provide specialized training, diet and what it takes to development into top quality players. He will be joined by former Queensland & Australian Test Star Julian O’Neal and strength & conditioning coach Jason Tassell, plus selected
players from the Digicel Cup competition.
The camps will also include 2 adult representatives from each of the four Zones to educate them on up to date training & coaching methods to deliver back to coaches within their zones.
PNG NRL BID CEO Brad Tassell said all participants were looking forward to the camp;
“These camps are the culmination of the year round program implemented by the PNG NRL BID. We have invested over K700,000 into the program this year alone to develop a pathway for talented juniors in rugby league in PNG. This is just the start and it has been hugely successful this year. We will be expanding the program to capture other regions who have approached us and will also be looking at incorporating the U19 age group into the program. This is what the BID is all about, developing the youth of the nation and giving them an opportunity which was not available prior to this program.”
PNG NRL BID Development Manager Shane Morris also said;
“We decided to split the camp into the two age groups this time so we can better focus on a smaller group and individual players. The camp is designed to specifically test the players both on and off the field. It will be intense and demanding but will give them an insight into what is required both mentally and physically at an elite level. We are very fortunate to have people of the caliber of Julian and Jason attending. Not only will they be able to impart their knowledge to the players attending but also to the PNG based coaches taking part in the camp.
We expect the participants will finish the camp better prepared to lift their own standards and pass on what they have learned to their communities.”
The PNG NRL BID will select 4 players from the U15 Squad and two coaches who will attend the Brisbane Broncos Elite talent camp in Brisbane in December. Tassell said this was the next step in the program;
“It is no use having a national schools program without giving kids the chance to progress to a National Championships or Development Camps and truly make an impact on improving their skills and abilities. To be able to send 4 or our best to the Broncos to train all week with the best coaches and kids in the state is further proof of the program and how important it is to PNG. This program provides a REAL pathway and we hope that the kids we send over impress the Broncos enough that it may open the way for scholarships with the Broncos and having more PNG kids in the NRL system. Having 2 selected coaches also attend gives them the opportunity to go back to their regions and pass on the latest techniques to ensure that PNG youth are being taught the
right skills at an early age, so it becomes second nature as they progress through to the senior ranks. Up skilling our coaches is a very important part of the program.”
U15 DEVELOPMENT CAMP – MONDAY NOVEMBER 7TH TO THURSDAY NOVEMBER 10TH:
Southern Zone – Tavei Moses, Lucas Geoesa, Tony Wemin, Jeff Jero, Moclay Wemin Bani, Elijah Tau, Newman Waikilin, Sibona Seri Hegame, Kenneth Sendry
Northern Zone – Clifford Wanoko, Wesley Hondo, Robert Manesen, Ereman Ken, Bill Paul
Islands (NGI Zone) - Simon Penaki, Michael Kavie
Highlands Zone – Tassi Kui, Napolean Ilofa, Jehuda Sipa, Joseph Paul, Lavax Ketauwo
U17 DEVELOPMENT CAMP – MONDAY NOVEMBER 28TH TO THURSDAY DECEMBER 1ST:
Southern Zone – Ben Wemin, Samuel Kult, Paul Dickson, Abel Vagi, Steven Doriga, Pales Andien, Gahuna Silas, Max Doriga
Northern Zone – Mafus Kalus, Eddie Motoro, Alsano Kaulo
Islands (NGI Zone) – Konnie Bernard, John Luana, Jamieson John, John Blaise Dau, Hemson Lavu, Jermey Palibutu, Eliakim Lukara
U17 Highlands Zone – Patrick Inapero, Fero Homate, Nogo Ore

 

[Goddo]

Kind of odd... all the work/talk is about development camps and player development rather than an actual NRL licence.

Seems to me that all news from PNG RL comes under the banner of "the bid".

 

[Perth Red]

I think they are using the "bid" as a bit of a rallying point for development strategies. The running of the game was in great conflict recently and I am guessing the PNGRL are using the idea of a bid to sort some of those issues out and get better structures for the game in place with the support of the Govt who may or may not be supportive of an NRL bid. Even in the very likely event of a bid for the NRL not being succesful at least it has helped them sort some of the games issues out over there and put better structures in place.

 

[mikail-eagle]

I think they are using the "bid" as a bit of a rallying point for development strategies.

This has sort of been like a blessing in disguise even if the bid may not eventuate for a number of years.

But the development taking place in the juniors can only be a good thing.

http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/25139
Goroka lads make camp

Source:
The National, Tuesday 08th November 2011



FIVE rising rugby league payers from the Goroka School Boys rugby league competition flew into Port Moresby to be in the PNGNRL and PNGRFL Under 15 development camp.
President of Goroka school boys Ellyson Ketauwo gave money to the boys and their coach Eddie Tom.
Parents and Ketauwo were at the airport to see the boys fly out of Goroka for the first time to be in the one-week camp that began in Port Moresby yesterday.
Ketauwo said the boys were selected from the national junior zone trials held in Lae early last month.
“I appreciate the recognition of the boys from Goroka school boys rugby league, because their selection is a vote of confidence for all the efforts we put in to develop our young rugby league players,” he said.
He said his management team comprised people love for the game.
“I am happy that our efforts have not gone waste, it bore fruit so we are looking forward towards a much bigger and better schoolboy’s competition in Goroka next year,” Ketauwo said.
He urged local business houses in Goroka and Kainantu to support the schoolboys competition next year, as they are the seed capital for reigning Digicel Cup champions Bintangor Lahanis.
Ketauwo gave words of encouragements to the boys and urged them to be good ambassadors for Eastern Highlands province.
The boys will join others from other provinces in the national school boys development camp this week.
The camp ends on Thursday.
The Goroka school boys who boarded the plane to Port Moresby yesterday were Mathias Kawagle (North Goroka Primary School), Napoleon Ilofa, Jehuda Sipa, Lavax Ketauwo (Okiyufa Primary School) and Joseph Negiho (Gama Primary School).
The PNGNRL Bid 2011 junior development camp for the U15 school boys begins today at the University of PNG.
Bid CEO Brad Tassell said the first three camps would feature the U15 development players selected from the recent all schools national championship held in Lae in September.
The second camp for the U17s, was also selected from the same tournament and will start on Nov 28.
“These camps are the culmination of the year round programme implemented by the PNGNRL Bid.
“We have invested over K700,000 into the programme this year to develop a pathway for talented rugby league juniors.
“This is just the start and it has been hugely successful this year,” Tassell said.
“We will be expanding the programme to capture other regions that have approached us and will also be looking at incorporating the U19s.
“This is what the Bid is all about; developing the youths of the nation and giving them an opportunity which was not available prior to this programme,” Tassell said.
Bid development officer Shane Morris will take the boys through a programme designed to improve their skills and provide specialised training on diet and their mind set to become top quality footballers.

 

[mikail-eagle]

http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20111109/sport02.htm
NRL Bid boot camp for Under 15 schoolboys
Twenty of the country’s finest U15 league players have set up camp in Port Moresby for a week-long skills and fitness program under the PNG NRL Bid campaign.
The youngsters from the schoolboys league competitions throughout the country, were selected by the NRL Bid team during the curtain raiser match of this year’s Australia and PNG PM’s 13 match to attend this week long program from November 07-10.
At the program launch yesterday, NRL Bid CEO Brad Tassell said that the program was aimed at improving the skills and fitness level of the young players to become better sportsmen for the future and to promote academic excellence.
“The program is aimed at developing both the individual’s rugby skills on the field and to encourage positive learning habits while in school,” said Tassell.
He said that the NRL Bid Team have allocated K1000 for each player which will be sent to their parents account to be used to pay school fees and to purchase sports equipment.
He said that the Bid team has so far spent approximately K700,000 on such youth development programs in the U15 and U17 divisions throughout the nation.
He said that while the players are a part of this program they have to maintain the highest level of discipline both in the camps and while in school to ensure that they retain their spots in future programs.
Tassell said: “Each and every one of you are privileged to be part of this program but if any of you misbehave while in school, your spot will be given to someone else.”
He said that four out of the 20 players will be selected by the coaching stuff to attend a skills camp hosted by the Brisbane Broncos in Brisbane later this year. The camp would also be attended by the top U15 players of Queensland.
He said that the exposure from the Broncos camp would further improve the skills of the players and was also an opportunity for the youngsters to showcase their talents which could lead to them securing sporting scholarships to study in Australia.
Eighth grader Michael Kavie from the Islands zone said: “The camp has been very physically demanding so far but it will help in improving my skills, so I’m enjoying myself.
“The coaching team is very good and we are being well taken care of.”
Napoleon Ilofa from the Highlands zone had this to say when asked to comment about the program, “The training sessions are tougher then the ones we do at home but I’m grateful to be a part of it as I am learning a lot.”
The players are based at the University of Papua New Guinea campus where they undergo their training drills. They will be there until November 10 before they all depart for their respective provinces.

 

[mikail-eagle]

So the bid is alive......

http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20111123/sport02.htm
PNG Govt with NRL Bid – O’Neill
“Let me reiterate that neither myself nor the Government have made any decision that would determine the Bid not to be a viable project of the National Government. You should continue business as usual...!”
These were the words in a letter from the Prime Minister Peter O’Niell to PNG NRL BID chief executive officer Brad Tassell, putting to rest recent claims that the Bid is no longer operational.
The letter was in response to a submission by the BID to the Government outlining the BID’s programs and plans for what needs to be undertaken in PNG to lay the foundations to be in a position to potentially secure an NRL licence in the future.
The Prime Minister also stated in the letter:
“The programs outlined in the letter are significant and I am pleased that rugby league is finally being developed and structured professionally. I urge you to continue the programs and report on them frequently to the Sports Minister and the NEC.”
The programs referred to are the national all-schools junior development, coaches and official’s education and Queensland Cup programs.
The BID also outlined its desire to work with all major rugby league bodies in PNG to provide a united effort to develop the game nationally.
Tassell thanked the Prime Minister and the Government for their support of the Bid’s commercial and rugby league development programs.
“We are very committed to putting in place what needs to be done to assist in the development of rugby league in PNG,” he said.
“In 2011 alone, we will have spent over K800,000 on our junior development program with significant results and outcomes.
“We are now fielding calls from all over the country to be part of the program and are looking at extending it to include an Under19 competition.
“Without this program in place we cannot develop our own juniors and give them an opportunity.” The Prime Minister is also supportive of the BID’s plan to enter a team in the Queensland Cup competition.
This vision is also strongly supported by the local community and corporate sector with many businesses already enquiring about supporting the initiative.
The 2013 Q Cup team will represent all of PNG and will not be secluded to one region.
It is a program that will recruit the best locally based players, train them as a professional outfit to prepare them for the week to week grind of top level football.
“It is the only way we can improve as a rugby league nation and again further improve our chances of a future possible inclusion in the NRL and improve our international performances,” Tassell said.
“On behalf of the PNG NRL Bid Board I would like to thank the Prime Minister and the National Executive Council for their continued support of the PNG NRL Bid.
“We will work tirelessly to develop PNG’s national sport and encourage business leaders to step forward and support us and share the vision of the BID and our National Government.”

 

[mikail-eagle]

2 Weeks ago the u15 camp was held....this is now the u17 turns.

http://www.pngnrlbid.com/index.php?page_id=166

PNG NRL Bid Announces U17 Development Camp

The PNG NRL Bid 2011 U17 Development Camp will be held at the University of Papua New
Guinea in Port Moresby commencing this Monday 28th November.

The three day camp will feature the U17 development players selected from the recent Coca-Cola All Schools National Championships held in Lae. The U15 camp was recently held also at UPNG.

PNG NRL BID Development Manager Shane Morris will again put the players through a rigorous program designed to improve themselves as players and provide specialized training, diet and what it takes to development into top quality players. He will be joined by strength & conditioning coach Jason Tassell, plus selected players from the Digicel Cup competition.

The camps will also include 2 adult representatives from each of the four Zones to educate them on up to date training & coaching methods to deliver back to coaches within their zones.

PNG NRL BID CEO Brad Tassell said all participants were looking forward to the camp;

“These camps are the culmination of the year round program implemented by the PNG NRL BID. We have invested over K800,000 into the program this year alone to develop a pathway for talented juniors in rugby league in PNG. The recently held U15 camp certainly showed that we have some exceptional rugby league talent in PNG, which if nurtured and developed can be the equal if not better than aussie kids. This is just the start and we will be looking at expanding the program to capture other regions who have approached us and incorporating the U19 age group into the program. This is what the BID is all about, developing the youth of the nation and giving them an opportunity which was not available prior to this program.”

PNG NRL BID Development Manager Shane Morris also said;

“We decided to split the camp into the two age groups this time so we can better focus on a smaller group and individual players. This worked well for the U15 camp and is the formula we will keep in place for future camps. The camp is designed to specifically test the players both on and off the field. It will be intense and demanding but will give them an insight into what is required both mentally and physically at an elite level. We expect the participants will leave better prepared and to pass on what they have learned to their communities.”

Tassell also added;

“Each of the camp attendees will receive K1,000 each which will NOT be paid directly to the player of family. It will be paid directly to cover school fees and/or football equipment for the players. We are very serious about making sure money is spent in the right areas and linking education in with Rugby League is an important part of the program.”

U17 DEVELOPMENT CAMP – MONDAY NOVEMBER 28TH TO THURSDAY DECEMBER 1ST:

Southern Zone – Ben Wemin, Samuel Kult, Paul Dickson, Abel Vagi, Steven Doriga, Pales Andien,
Gahuna Silas, Max Doriga

Northern Zone – Mafus Kalus, Eddie Motoro, Alsano Kaulo

Islands (NGI Zone) – Konnie Bernard, John Luana, Jamieson John, John Blaise Dau, Hemson
Lavu, Jermey Palibutu, Eliakim Lukara

U17 Highlands Zone – Patrick Inapero, Fero Homate, Nogo Ore

 

[Billythekid]

I just can't wait till we start seeing PNG players coming into the NRL (and in turn seeing a more competitive PNG national side). It will give us yet another massive influx of juniors like with NZ and should hopefully help keep up the quality of the NRL as we expand.

Getting juniors from PNG, NZ and the other island nations is where the NRL can succeed where the AFL have failed (getting players from just 3 or 4 states isn't enough to support such a large player base).

Hope to hear more good things coming from PNG and hopefully eventually they are ready to actually join the NRL.

 

[mikail-eagle]

News from the u17 PNG Development camp...

http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20111130/sport05.htm
Players feel the strain
By GREGORY AVIRA, DWU journalism student
The Under 17 players attending the NRL Bid boot camp are already feeling the strain as the camp heads into its third day today.
The rigourous program is aimed at improving the overall skills and fitness level of participants.
The program includes various gym and pool sessions along with on field training that were to be carried out at the Taurama Leisure Centre and POMIS sporting grounds.
Kapo Taylor, a player selected from the Southern region said that the sessions were physical demanding but were beneficial in improving the players’ fitness and skills.
“The session that we undergo in a day is like a week’s worth of training back in my school,” said Taylor.
“If we don’t complete the sessions successfully we will continue doing it until we get it right.”
PNG NRL Bid development manager, Shane Morris, during their training session at POMIS yesterday said that winning matches in rugby league not only depended on skills and fitness but another important factor was for players to have good communication among themselves while on the pitch.
He said one main reason why teams in the various competitions throughout PNG failed to play quality football was because there was a lack of good communication during their matches.
He said: “You are the new generation of rugby league players and you have to break free from this trend and be able to communicate better with your team mates while you are on the field.”
Hunter Bobola, a coach from the Highlands zone said that he was impressed with the program and was motivated to go back to his home province to impart the knowledge gained to other coaches.
He said the sessions would be very beneficial if only schools and clubs had proper facilities and sporting gear to train with in their respective provinces.
Meanwhile, Southern zone program coordinator, Ripa Kalamo and Pales Andain, the Islands zone coordinator have express their gratitude towards the NRL Bid team in its effort to help develop young players.

 

[Perth Red]

Expansion forum?

 

[mikail-eagle]

http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/26459

Broncos duo aid Bid in Official membership Campaign Launch


Source:
The National, Thursday 08th December 2011



THE PNG NRL Bid will officially launch its membership and merchandise campaign today with the assistance of two rugby league stars from the Brisbane Broncos NRL team.
Queensland State of Origin player Corey Parker and Great Britain Four Nation’s representative Jack Reed arrive in Port Moresby as special guests to launch the Bid’s membership and merchandise campaign at Vision City from 4.30pm today.
The Bid will also officially launch its online membership-merchandise sales programme and will feature both Broncos players.
PNG NRL Bid chairman Philemon Embel said the launch was important to the Bid.
“It is important that we are able to show the NRL that we develop a history of strong merchandise sales and membership support towards a possible inclusion into the NRL in the future.
“Again, along with our other programmes we have to lay the foundations and build towards the ultimate goal of a team in the NRL in the future.
“That has to start now and by Papua New Guineans showing their support by wearing the Bid merchandise and joining up as members we can tick of another box by showing PNG has a strong membership and supporter base for an NRL team in the future.
“We encourage as many fans as possible to be down at Vision city to show your support,” Embel said.
Bid chief executive officer Brad Tassell said the development of online sales was a significant aspect of the Bid.
“We have a massive database of enquiries on becoming members and purchasing merchandise from within PNG and around the world.
“I am constantly receiving letters and messages of support from overseas and we now have our online sales up and running at our website www.pngnrlbid.com.
“This means that from anywhere in PNG or the world supporters can go online and sign up as members and/or purchase merchandise.
“It’s a big plus for the programme and shows we are professional and serious about securing as much support as we can, not just from within PNG but across the world.
“This will again make the NRL sit up and take notice of PNG as a rugby league-mad nation that deserves a chance of future inclusion into the NRL.”
Parker said he and Reed were looking forward to the launch.
“We are really excited to help our PNG friends.
“We’re proud to wear the PNG colours and promote the game in this country with the PNG NRL Bid.
“We look forward to meeting Broncos and league fans today at the launch. We urge everyone to get behind the Bid and become a member and create history”
Tassell added: “It is great for the Bid programme to have the support of what is widely regarded as the most professional NRL franchise in the Broncos.
“I know the management, board and players are fully supportive of a PNG-based NRL team.
“The partnership with the Broncos is a lot more than face value.
“We will have access to their management and staff to train our own staff to better equip ourselves to know and understand what it takes to run a professional sporting organisation.
“My view is that you have to learn from the best to be the best,” Tassell said.