As soon as 2025, we could see PNG in the NRL as the 18th team. They will be based in Cairns, playing some games in PNG. To me, i feel this is a missed opportunity from the NRL with both Perth and South Pasifika team being better suited. We need to focus on nations like Fiji, Tonga and Samoa. Or even expanding to Perth.
Now the Australian government is apparently pitching in up to $5 million to help the bid, to me that is asinine for both the government to pledge and the NRL to accept. The issue being, how long is this funding going to be in place? The issue involved whenever a new team is added is can they be financially independent? Redcliffe showed with up to $100 million in assets they financially viable on their own. Perth will have backing from North Sydney who has money. Pasifika will have funding from Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and most importantly Wellington as a capital has money. What happens if a Liberal government get and decide to not fund them? Then PNG are on their own to fund it. Cairns wont pitch in too much considering it is not their team. Could argue neither would Pasifika to Wellington, but Wellington would be the main body in that franchise, the other nations simply pitching in for their players to be supported.
I feel PNG is not the focus the NRL should have. More talent is in Pasifika. Perth i feel is a better option also with money, area as in stadiums are already built. I do not want this decision being government pushed as once it is not their problem they will drop it and there will be issues. If NRL want PNG to be involved have them affiliate with another team. Call the team Cairns Bears or something like that and PNG is represented as a feeder of that team. Now that wont be the name of course but saying an example.
Southern Orcas, Perth Bears or PNG Kumuls. Who do we prefer? Or do you prefer maybe another team like Brisbane Tigers for example and have them as a base for PNG.
Replies
Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy in July announced the federal government has put a $5.5 million package together to boost the PNG development campaign.
Albanese has reportedly indicated privately that his government is prepared to help underwrite a team with up to $25 million a year from the foreign aid budget.
From news.com
Again though, how long will they do that for? PNG would need it every year.
Great more teams, more competition for players and even harder to win the damn thing. I reckon we will be bringing up the half century drought.
PNG? They could've at least gone with Perth..smarter idea, more tv slots and larger national audience.
Perth i must admit is a headache in terms of time slots. Being 3 hours behind is hard to organise around. NZ are two ahead and can manage it quite well as a 6pm game on Friday is 8pm there. 6pm friday here is 3pm for Perth on a Friday.
Only time slots that work are 5:30 Saturday, 7:30 Saturday, 4pm Sunday and 6:15pm Sunday. It is a TV rights nightmare.
Perth is an easy one. Big TV market, plenty of corporate support, extra time zone, a ready made rectangular stadium, a thriving grass roots game.
PNG ?
Crime, extreme climate & third world living conditions.
Average NRL player : "Hey honey, guess what, we're moving to the most dangerous city in the world to be a woman"
Average NRL WAG "I think we should see other people"
I think that it would take a lot of government money to get PNG over the line.
For all the reasons you outlined above and let me add just one more. The expats from Britain, South Africa, New Zealand, NSW and Queensland.
This ensured big crowds during the Western Reds era. During that time attendance was on a par with Fremantle Dockers who were also a new team.
Added John, It would be hard for them to build a big fan base in general. Imagine the Southern Orcas, they would have a massive following in Australia, not just from NZ living here but Fijian, Tongan and Samoan's living here too. A fan base would bigger and quicker compared to PNG, where those in Cairns would not support them really so their home games not that big. Port Morseby games will be big but they wont be playing there often.
Southern Orcas? They would get a good following at most Sydney games. Plus at Wellington too. Then you can also play a game a year in Suva and that would be massive too.
PNG is only getting a look in due to Government top up which i feel is another Albo ploy of "Look guys, look how good i am to your people". It will be a disaster, nice novelty for 2-3 games then wears thin.
lb is the png stadium any better than henson park
Yep, and that was at the WACA.
Time zone is the only killer, it would be a nightmare at times. They would be playing only Saturday's and Sunday's at same time for home games.
Though PNG are gonna be based in Cairns, for that reason. If that is the case why not pair up with say Ipswich and have them be exclusive for PNG.
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