PVL interview from News Corp (below he chats about PNG).
GROWING PAINS
V’landys has reached an in-principle agreement with Australia’s Federal government on a $600 million funding deal to
launch an NRL team in Papua New Guinea.
It’s a historic move for the sport. But it’s not without logistical headaches.
Papua New Guinea has the second worst crime rate in the world and critics of the move have raised concerns about the safety of Australian NRL stars living in Port Moresby.
The Federal government will walk away from the PNG team after a 10-year investment, but V’landys scoffed at suggestions the PNG plan is destined for failure.
V’landys played down suggestions launching a team in Papua New Guinea is a big risk for the NRL. Picture: NRL Photos
“It’s not a huge risk,” he said.
“You have to have a can-do attitude. Naturally there will be teething problems and concerns we will have along the way.
“But I am confident we can do this in a safe manner. That’s our aim. We will do everything we can do to ensure that the PNG team is successful.
“It’s a new frontier. It’s never been done before by this sport. It’s extraordinary.
“There’s more than 10 million people in PNG and that’s a completely new audience and market. Eventually it will grow and become a more prosperous nation in years to come.
“This is the start of it. PNG is a major opportunity for the game in so many ways.
“A lot of the money is going to the pathways, it’s not just for the rugby league team. The whole success of PNG will be if we can set up the game in schools and local competitions and help with education programs in their country, that will be the measure of success.”
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