PNG NRL bid boss says ARLC yet to hand down decision
Papua New Guinea’s bid to acquire an NRL license is yet to be affirmed, says bid boss Andrew Hill.
Hill told NBC News that a decision has not been reached by the Australian Rugby League Commission as to whether PNG will be granted the 18th or 19th franchise license.
He brushed aside speculations on the media, stating that the information on PNG becoming the 19th NRL team in 2028 was inconclusive.
“There's so much interest in what's happening with this NRL bid. It's fair to say that we're progressing. We continue to have some really good conversations with governments and the NRL,” Hill told NBC News.
“The story overnight, there's nothing new in it. There's no new content. Have we agreed in principle on several things with the government? Yes.
“As you know, there's a bid submission that has 11 bids in front of the NRL and they haven't gone through that process. So, I think it's pure speculation.
Hill was confident that PNG pitched a strong professional bid that has been highly regarded and supported by both governments from Australia and PNG.
The Federal Australian government is expected to pump in $600 million (AUS dollars) to support the PNG team.
The PNG NRL bid boss said PNG had its merits on the proposal and was the best option for the NRL to consider.
“We are confident of that,” he said of the bid.
“But there's been no clarity from the NRL yet. So, we still need to be patient and keep focusing on the things that we can control.
“There's only a handful of people. The first person is Peter Vlandys, the second is Andrew Abdo, and then it'll be the two prime ministers and of course, Wapu Sonk – chairman and our bid board.
“So, until the NRL, ARLC are ready to make a decision, because, of course, it's not just about us.
“They're also looking at 18, 19 and potentially 20 teams. So, whilst we might be in a good position, they have to work across all of the bids, and they have to work through that process.
“So, it's the ARLC who will make the decision.”