Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Papua New Guinean counterpart James Marape may have been speaking on the sidelines of the Pacific Islands Forum on Thursday. But what they said will be felt across the playing fields of the NRL and regional geopolitics.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Papua New Guinean counterpart James Marape may have been speaking on the sidelines of the Pacific Islands Forum on Thursday.Anthony Albanese gave in-principle support to PNG PM James Marape
Cynics suggested it was an announcement tuned for the political and not sporting reality, designed to hype up support for Mr Marape ahead of the election currently underway. But diplomats have long recognised the potential of tapping into a shared love of rugby league to increase ties between the two countries.The Redcliffe-based Dolphins franchise won the 17th NRL license ahead of two other Brisbane-based bids.
Sarah Haoda Todd, an entrepreneur and activist originally from PNG's second largest city Lae, also expressed her support. "The costs associated with such a plan would represent the best value spend Australia could ever make in building that relationship."The Labor Party enshrined the investigation of a PNG team in the NRL in its 2019 national platform. While the 2021 platform was streamlined ahead of the 2022 election, many members of the Labor Party remain attached to the goal. And Mr Albanese's comment to Mr Marape is the party's boldest commitment yet.
And others have called for PNG's limited resources to be focused on other issues, like health and education.But there is clearly political capital in the idea, with the bid launched shortly before the start of the country's official election campaign, and with a funding commitment of 10 million kina a year for three years to assist.
Mr Conroy is keen to demonstrate that Australia's current commitments, as well as any future support, must prioritise gender equality. "They're looking great," said Della Audama, a former Orchids player and PNGRFL Women's High Performance Manager. "We have a bunch of potential players who could make the NRLW, but I think it comes back to us to prepare them," Ms Audama said.
There are precedents, however, that make a team from the PNG less far-fetched. The New Zealand Warriors have proven international borders can be overcome in the NRL. Teams from Fiji and the Pacific are now involved in men's and women's Super Rugby.And the PNG Hunters, set up nine years ago, are a permanent fixture in the Queensland Rugby League, the second tier of competition in Australia. They even won the premiership in 2017.
The idea has support from many within the playing ranks, including outgoing Kumuls captain David Mead.
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