The Prime Minister is pushing rugby league’s cause in the Pacific region as government investment opens up the prospect of history-making tournaments.
Justin Olam has warned that Papua New Guinea is not ready for NRL expansion,despite a push for the country to be the location for the league’s 18th franchise.
In the closest game of the tournament so far,the scores were locked at 18-18 with two minutes to go when Keaon Koloamatangi bagged a frantic,match-winning try for Tonga.
Isabelle Kelly,Joey Manu,Josh Schuster,Justin Olam and Nathan Cleary all starred for their sides in an action-packed weekend.
The Roosters playmaker drew parallels to his famous father with a match-winning performance for the Kumuls over the Bati,who unearthed a star of their own.
The Dragons forward still has ambitions to play for Australia and admits he would feel uncomfortable turning out for the Kumuls at the end-of-season World Cup.
Australia may not be able to match China’s influence through infrastructure investment or granting loans,but we can build deep bonds with PNG through its shared passion for a game:rugby league.
A second team in New Zealand is an early frontrunner in the discussion around NRL expansion,but PNG has thrown its hat into the ring.
Oil Search has activated crisis plans to protect its workers in PNG and is also offering local government agencies assistance to tackle the COVID-19 crisis.
Storm centre Justin Olam has extended his contract until the end of 2022 and he is relieved his homeland of Papua New Guinea has so far avoided major outbreaks of COVID-19.
Great Britain's underwhelming tour of the southern hemisphere came to a shocking end when they were condemned to a 28-10 defeat by Papua New Guinea.