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I can’t read it, whats it’s say and whose quoting that cairns is still a preferred option? Someone offical From the bid or nrl?
Just paste it if you’ve read it, or haven’t you read it? lol
It’s already been posted in this thread previously
Please paste again, we all want to read
Prime Minister backs bid for joint Cairns-PNG NRL team to enter competition
Samuel Davis
March 2, 2024 - 6:00AM
Cairns’ joint NRL bid with our nearest international neighbours has been endorsed by the highest office in the country with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese backing the bid, despite blowback from the league’s top boss.
The city’s involvement in Papua New Guinea’s quest had been in doubt with NRL CEO Peter V’Landys recently revealing he would prefer the Pacific nation to have its own standalone team.
But it’s understood the PM supports a shared submission – which includes a men’s and women’s team – citing the geopolitical benefits of forging stronger ties with the emerging nation through rugby league.
When contacted, the Prime Minister’s office declined to comment but a government spokesperson said the team “advances Australia’s national interests” and would strengthen the relationship between the Far North and the Commonwealth nation.
“Partnering in rugby league is a powerful way to build lasting ties between Australia and PNG, contribute to gender equality and promote positive long-term social and economic outcomes for PNG,” the spokesperson said.
“It is recognised that there is a strong bond between Cairns and PNG, based on their geographic proximity, people to people links and a shared love of rugby league.
“The government encourages the people of Cairns to put their best foot forward in making a case to the NRL for Cairns to play a role in any PNG NRL team.”
It stands in stark contrast to Mr V’Landys’ comments in Townsville last month who said he would prefer to have a team based exclusively north of the Torres Strait.
“There’s discussion as to where the team would be based and we’re starting to lean to base it in Papua New Guinea – build some infrastructure there, build housing, build everything,” Mr V’Landys said recently.
“There’s an opportunity to base them in Australia. But the more I think about it the more I think they may be better based in Papua New Guinea.”
Cairns mayor Terry James said he suspected Mr V’Landys may have been attempting to allay North Queensland Cowboys’ officials fears that the league’s 18th team would syphon resources away from the Townsville-based club.
“I think he’s trying to placate the Cowboys. That’s probably why he said it,” Mr James, who met with Premier Steven Miles to promote the city’s NRL dreams this week, said.
“We’re working with this bid to help progress this proposal. There are a few moving parts to it. We’re just one of the bids.”
Cairns mayoral hopefuls Amy Eden, Binda Warren have also backed the Cairns-PNG NRL pitch.
But fellow candidate Paul Taylor said he would need to see further detail.
“I would be very interested in seeing the full proposal before committing support to the Cairns-PNG NRL bid,” he said.
Community First contender Denis Walls said: “I would love to examine the details when I become to mayor to see if it stacks up.”
In December, Cairns Regional Council resolved to work collaboratively with NRL Bid 25 Ltd, which was established to progress an application for an NRL licence for a PNG based team.
Both PNG Prime Minister Marape and Prime Minister Albanese have publicly stated their support for PNG franchises in the NRL and NRLW.
Earlier this week, former PNG international James Segeyaro signed with FNQRL club Ivanhoes.
Cairns’ joint NRL bid with our nearest international neighbours has been endorsed by the highest office in the country with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese backing the bid, despite blowback from the league’s top boss.
But it’s understood
coaches are against it and clubs are against it, and most fans cant see it working. Its going to take some massive swing for Vlandys to get it over the line, I reckon he is banking on a major tv deal for 2028 to bribe the clubs again with another big uplift in grants. Problem is they have said they will announce team 18 at end of this year and tv deals wont be done for another 12-24 months. Going to be interesting to see how he spins this.
You are such a punish
Its been an interesting flip flopping on a base for PNG. Started off with Cairns mayor wanting the team there, then PNG bid came out and said they intended to be based in PNG, then they clearly got a word from NRLHQ and turned tables and said they were investigating a 'short term' location with Cairns before moving to PNG, then Vlandys visits Cowboys for season launch and a day later comes out stating he is leaning towards it being based in PNG. I think the answer is they haven't yet decided where its going to be!
You commented on this before last time it was posted
or maybe Cowboys convinced him Cairns wasnt the answer?
It needs a good ten year lead in with big investment.Since when does the NRL do what a politician wants? This is madness, so mad that I am in agreeance with AFL Red and his tag team partner Minimus and Karenard about how bad an idea it is.
I do think an NRL team in PNG down the line somewhere is a good idea, but not this model and way down the pecking order.
