Papua New Guinea is set to host a trial match between the Canterbury Bulldogs and Cronulla Sharks to open their 2020 campaigns, as reported by The Daily Telegraph.
It will mark the first time an NRL match is played at PNG, with more trial matches set to be played in the Pacific in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
The match will be played at Port Moresby’s National Football stadium on February 22, which holds 15,000 people.
NRL CEO Todd Greenberg was pleased to see that the code is branching out to the Pacific.
“This is an exciting and valuable step for the game,’’ Greenberg said.
“We know so many of our players were born in Pacific nations and are idolised in nations like Papua New Guinea who have a genuine passion for rugby league.
“We thank the Federal Government for their ongoing partnership. It was remarkable to see both the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister attend the PM’s XIII match in Fiji earlier this month.
“Rugby league brings communities together and with the federal government there is so much we can do to enhance these regions.”
Bulldogs chief executive Andrew Hill was stoked for his club to play a part in promoting the game.
“To have been invited to take part in this match and help promote the sport in this important part of the world is fantastic news for our club,’’ he said.
“Our core club values of family and inclusiveness are acknowledged as major elements to help grow the game and the value that rugby league can play in PNG.”
Sharks CEO Richard Munro added: “This is groundbreaking moment and it’s important that our club is taking part.
“Our players are looking forward to going to PNG and working with the local communities to grow the game. It will be a rewarding and valuable week for our club and for the people of PNG.”
Everyone seems to agree that this is a great thing to do, is massive for the game. is massive for the NRL and is massive for the whole of PNG from the government down. Everyone agrees how this is so brilliant for the game, Australia and the region that perhaps the Sharks and Bulldogs should play all of their games over there ?