Papua New Guinea’s internal security minister has assured players they will be safe if the country becomes the NRL’s 18th team, which hopes to make Storm winger Xavier Coates its first marquee signing.
Security minister Peter Tsiamalili and Kumul Petroleum managing director Wapu Sonk, who chairs the NRL bid, were guests of the NRL at Magic Round in Brisbane at the weekend.
In a wide-ranging interview with this masthead, they spoke passionately about the “transformative” impact a team based in the PNG capital Port Moresby would have.
“It will unify the country and have a positive mindset on our young men and women,” Tsiamalili said. “That will have a correlation to law and order, in my view. As the minister responsible for policing, it will really help us. Young men and women in PNG get inspired by the code. It will bring a different dynamic in the way we perceive ourselves.
“Every country and city in the world have their challenges. That’s no different to PNG. My personal view, and the way we see the game itself, is it will change the country.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged $600 million over a decade to help fund a team in PNG.
Papua New Guinea celebrate a try in their victory over Ireland in Port Moresby at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup. The local fans may soon have much more to celebrate.Credit: Getty
The deal almost collapsed on Friday before high-level talks between ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys and Minister for the Pacific Pat Conroy saved it.
The commission will decide next month which teams will be admitted to the NRL competition over the next few years, starting with an 18th team from 2028 when the next broadcast cycle commences.
One of the key concerns about establishing a team in Port Moresby is security for players, coaches, officials and their families, so much so the NRL has already flagged a $100 million compound for them to stay.
According to the federal government’s Smart Traveller advice, average Australian travellers should exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to PNG.
“Rugby league will mitigate the security concerns because everyone has a common agenda, which is to enjoy their rugby league.”
PNG bid chair Wapu Sonk
On January 10, an estimated 22 people were killed during rioting and looting in the capital following protests from security officers about pay.
“Rugby league will mitigate the security concerns because everyone has a common agenda, which is to enjoy their rugby league,” Sonk said. “It will solve some of our social issues, which in turn will help reduce crime rates. It will be transformative.
“People will put their differences aside, they come together, and enjoy the game. People take it [security concerns] out of context because the fans are crazy. They basically come close to the players. Has anyone been hurt? No. They just love the game.”
While Albanese wants to secure PNG’s support as a geopolitical ally in the region, the pitch to the NRL from the bid team is what it can do for the country’s youth.
The PNG bid wants Xavier Coates to be its inaugural marquee signing.Credit: Getty
Former NRL referees boss Tony Archer joined the bid last year and is working out a pathways structure for both clubs and schools.
There are more than 700 registered junior players after nine months.
“Kids are actually going to school,” Sonk said. “That’s where our talent pool will come from — the schools. You have to be in the schools so we can identify you. We only started last year.
“They’re looking for an opportunity to make it into the Hunters [in the Queensland Cup], the NRL, being a professional player. This will have a huge social impact on our country.”
It remains unclear if PNG will be the first team admitted when the ARL Commission announces its 20-team strategy in coming months.
The PNG bid is adamant it will be ready in 2028 — with Storm flyer Coates to become the face of the new franchise.
Coates, who was born in Port Moresby and has played eight internationals for his country, is signed to the Storm until the end of 2026.
While Wests Tigers centre Justin Olam will be 33, a final season or two for a team that represents his country of birth would be a fairytale finish to his career.
“Genetically, Melanesians mature at a later age – like a fine wine,” Tsiamalili said.
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