Papua New Guinea Rugby League Bids for NRL 2015
Heavy Weight Team Behind Australia's Gold Coast Titans Join Up
Sep 17, 2009
Papua New Guinea is a country of nearly 7 million people, where rugby league has long been the dominant sport. It has been estimated that over 50% of men under-20 play the game. Facing many social and economic problems, a spot in the top rugby league competition is seen as a way to energise development. The people behind the successful application of the Gold Coast Titans have assembled a formidable team, and the PNG government has pledged A$20 million towards the bid.
The Cultural Influence of Australia
The role of Australia is significant. Having directly run the country during the first world war, its connections are deep and powerful. The sport was introduced by Australian miners in the 1930's and the involvement and influence of the current Labour government is crucial. The support of the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, may turn out to be the key factor, and the many and vast mineral deposits in PNG weigh heavily in the background of this process.
800 Tribes and One Team
PNG is a complex society with over 800 tribes and as many languages. Its land laws and traditional forms of subsistence are a barrier to a concentration of resources. Rugby league provides a rare focus, and the national stars such as Adrian Lam, Marcus Bai and Stanley Gene are revered. This focus on rugby league has turned violent many times, and reducing those incidents are the most pressing concern of the bid team.
Rugby League and Economics
In 2006 a UN committee threatened to downgrade PNG from developing to least-developed status, but economic growth of 6% prevented this. Tourism is underdeveloped, violence is seen as a major barrier to its growth, with sport becoming the focus in affecting change. In supporting the bid Prime Minister , Sir Michael Somare is quoted as saying:"I feel I am setting PNG on a major historic path, paving the way for Rugby League having significant impact on the social and economic lives of our people and nation in the future"
A Rugby League Stadium
Crucial to the whole project is the building of a purpose built stadium, holding up to 50,000 people in a safe, secure and well maintained environment, almost certainly in Port Moresby. Progress has been slow with serious capital investment hard to come by. The ability of the bid team and PNG government to create such a stadium will be the litmus test for the solidity of the whole project, and will enable PNG to host a financially rewarding series of internationals in the future.
Prospects for NRL Future
Other attempts at securing a senior place for PNG rugby league have been tried. The lack of money, crowd violence and travel have stymied these. This time the team involved have a track record of success, serious money has already been pledged and political support is at an all time high. Although obstacles remain, not least serious competition from nascent bids from Perth, Adelaide, and New Zealand, the impact and importance of rugby league to the PNG nation has placed them in a very strong position.
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