What are YOU most excited to see about the Papua New Guinea side? EDIT: Correction in the video. I misspoke and said 60 million, when the correct value is actually 600 million.
The fans 100%, I think just like the dolphins had they should have a home game in PNG and expect over 40 thousand fans depending on the size of the stadium
Don't forget that hundreds of Australian companies and citizens operate in PNG generating Billions of dollars annually for Australia. $600m over a ten year period to support a PNG Rugby League team is peanuts so stop making an issue out of that. The big thing is that its a win-win situation for the Government of Australia & PNG.
At first I was against spending all that money for an NRL team in a different country, but if it helps Papua New Guinean children go to school and bolster the economy of the country I can get behind that. I would be amazing to know one day that rugby league helped build a country’s socio-economics.
How will it help children “go to school”? It’s not that they hate school so much, it’s that their school sucks, they can’t afford it, they are often not safe going there and don’t have the time because they need to work and make money to support the family.
@LomuHabana bro PNG is not Africa. Our kids don't work to support the family. Kids don't go to school because most kids don't understand English so they shy away from from school
Australia spends near AU$5 billion on foreign-aid a year regardless. This $60M per year for ten years NRL PNG investment is one of the best uses of money there is.
Australia is no match to China! This is the best bilateral agreement to unite PNG and Australia and unite the diversity in PNG! PNG players have never been given the same opportunity compared to many Fijian and Polynesian Australian born players. Now is our time to step up to the big stage.
I started watching the Australian Rugby League telecast live on ABC TV way back in 1983. In the NSWRFL Winfield Cup competition the Penrith Panthers is my favourite club and QldRFL XXXX Competition it was Valleys. Since then to date competition changes has evolved so much that Australian Rugby League expansion has finally reach the shores of my Country in PNG. I can't wait to see the PNGNRL team play against my very own NRL team in Penrith Panthers come 2028 and beyond....
Test of true friendship. Mouth friends for too long. Now you must accept PNG as your true friend to truely come into your space with all their attitudes and behaviours. All the best Aust!😂😂😅...Thanks PMJM.❤❤
Firstly.. appreciate your analysis on this... Secondly, for every PNG citizens that are unsure and are still optimistic and concerned about this.... right deep down in our minds and hearts... we somehow still appreciate and celebrate this... This is the game we bleed and die playing... whether it's geo-political pressure or socia-economic investment intervention...one thing remains the same is..'The Greatest Game of All' the game we love... Thank you Ausies ... Politics aside... Here we come....
I go with V'Landy! Kids will definitely succeed by miles with the introduction of NRL/Rugby League as a Curriculum in the Sxhools (Primary, Secondary & Higher)..and hiring the likes of Lam, Marcus, Olam, etc with zero tax benefits to players & officials...there's greater benefits to the newest NRL franchise..a PNG NRL Team come 2028. I believe this concept will work out💪🏾🇵🇬👌🏾
I was so against this at first, but after seeing the strategies that the NRL is putting in place. It’s also great that introducing a professional rugby league team will be “Lifestyle change” according to the Prime Minister. I wish them the best of luck.
At first I hated the idea of the PNG team but now I am 90% onboard with my other 10% unsure of how the players, coaches and staff will stay safe and why the teams first game is in 2028, I think they should start in 2026 of 2027 not 2028. We get the excitement of the team then need to wait 3 years/seasons to see them play their first game. Otherwise great video as always keep up the amazing videos
Same I would like to see it earlier but I think they are doing it later so that they have time to develop the required infrastructure for players and staff, as well as create grassroots programs.
Thousands of expatriates including Australia are working and living in Port Moresby with their families. You don't see or experience lifestyle here and speculating by hearing from unrealistic information. The players will be worshipped as idols.
There is a lot of megative backlash about the use of taxpayer funds for this, but outside of that any issues I've read from concerned pundits are mainly centred around player safety (which gets negated by the compound). Personally think it'll be incredible for the game; a built-in dedicated fanbase buying merch, going to games and supporting the comp, and providing a much needed boost in experience for the PNG national side.
Yep - and we do spend heaps already in foreign aid anyway. I imagine most people would be up in arms if they knew the values of our aid money as well (though personally I support it)
@@TheLeaguie plus people whing about China's improved relations in the region and around the world, then complain about foreign aid to those places, doesn't make sense.
I think it's a great idea. Not only a new, hopefully competitive (after a few years) team but also security against anyone looking to undermine Australia in the Pacific!!
I am cautiously optimistic about this bid. It was one I think Australia had to make politically after the last decade or so saw the islands going closer to China, and on the other this does seem like the money’s going to the right areas. Hopefully this goes well
At first I was against a PNG team thinking it wouldn't really be a viable option with the state that PNG has been in and with it being tax payer money that is funding it. But after the announcement I am actually quite excited for it, i think 3 year length seems a bit long, but it gives the PNG government time to hopefully get some of the crime and civil unrest under control, i also think for a lot of people in PNG it might also help with the excitement that they are getting an NRL team. Only thing I am potentially worried about, is if they don't get some of the civil unrest under control, I worry that it could make it hard for them to recruit senior players, especially ones with young families. I think it would be a hard call to move your family there for the NRL season. But that in itself also opens pathways for younger player both from Australia, PNG, Tonga and Samoa to get their break if it is hard to recruit older players. Overall quite excited now about it, I think we could possibly also see the introduction of another team like Western Bears before or at the same time as PNG if that is all sorted out soon (Although i think they should do them in separate seasons, so both clubs get their time as the new team as people will want to watch a few of their games and that's a bit harder if both are added the same season)
Very well said, but on the note of senior players I’m actually not too concerned. I think the tax free income will attract a heap of guys prepared to spend 1-2 years away from their family for one massive last payday. It’s the younger guys who want to go out and have a social life that I think they’ll struggle to attract
@@TheLeaguie Yea ok, that is actually a really good point, the tax free income could be really lucrative to senior players that are nearing the end of their career. I would also image with more teams, we possibly could see the introduction of a shorter season, and they would be back in Australia every 2-3 weeks anyway (even if it is a just a couple days). Its a good point the younger players could actually be a bit harder with wanting to have a social life. Really good thought!
It will take PNG no time in becoming Rugby League Super power. Peter Valandys is a real visionary. This is great for the development and growth for the game for other countries as well. Rugby League could one day become a global sport..
You have many Fiji Tonga Samoa in NRL. PNG has only one in NRL now . Simply PNG is underrepresented in NRL. If you are concern about Polynesian Island nations you can help them to have their own team too
PNG has more super league players than NRL players maybe for the start, super league players as well as contract players from NRL will dominate the team.
I thought png would be a bad idea but when I heard that it was all pacific development in the grassroots and could help the next few years with the new team but also the fans will be great and also another great banger
I like the idea, i would like to see the nrl bring in maybe 2 development contracts for current nrl teams that would be filled exclusively by png, Tongan, Samoan and Fijian born player, that way the pool of players for this new team would be expanded. Those two spots could potentially be outside the salary cap.
I like that idea a lot actually. Making it outside the salary cap is always tricky though. For example, Stephen Crichton was born in Apia, Samoa. But he moved to NZ when he was 2. I think everyone would agree that the Dogs having him be outside of the salary cap wouldn’t be in the spirit of that rule. But definitely one we could work on!
I think there should be no need to fund Samoan and Tongan rugby in their countris, this is because there are too too many of them born and breed in Australia and are playing in NRL and representing Tonaga and Samoa in International games. Where as PNG, most players are local born and breed and are representing PNG in International games. When Tonga and Samoa play rugby, it's just like another two Kangaroos or Austrlalian Teams playing on behalf of Tonga and Samoa. What do you guys think?
I can’t say I agree to be honest. I see what you’re saying, but if we have the means to fund their development… then we should. That can only be a positive thing for the overall game of rugby league
A development upgrade for PNG pretty much in the sport, even though PNGians themselves have mixed feelings about this. Anyways long overdue despite my skepticism on this working out.
People must understand that PNG is the only country without clear pathways into the NRL.. unlike Samoa, Tonga and even Fiji these nations get direct access and exposure to the NRL from New Zealand and Australia respectively. Never willing to invest in our young boys let alone seasoned players. That's why PNG as usual we have to go alone. We got Qland intrust super cup after just 4yrs in the competition (against all odds and criticism of be wooden spooners but year in year out till then we were always were competitive)... We are ready! Bring it!!🇵🇬🇵🇬❤️🤜🤛
If that million plus dollars go to Pacific pathways, then there is no excuse to set up a stand-alone 🇹🇴 v 🇼🇸 Origin series during the origin window after the new broadcast deal.
Australia spends close to AU$5 billion on foreign-aid a year regardless. This $60M per year for ten years NRL PNG investment is one of the best uses of money there is and arguably ever will be. As for safety concerns, every country has diplomats and foreign businessmen who live in their country. That's true even in warzones. There are sections of the city that can be policed better or even walled off to make them safe. It's a borderline non-issue.
This government so far has mismanaged immigration, a housing crisis and the cost of living blowout - why am I feeling a little apprehensive about them trying to use the NRL as a tool to counteract Chinese influence ? I would love to see the Papuans do well but I'm not sure they are being included for the right reason. My main concern would be the security of foreign players who decide to relocate there or the fans who travel to Papua to watch the games. I really hope for everyones sake that these fears turn out to be unfounded.
Perth I still believe will come in in 2027. Those negotiations are ongoing. Sth island I’m not too sure about, but I do eventually expect them as team #20
Mate Panthers did a 4 - peat ( God forbid a five next season and break my broncos heart ) …but at such a level we can describe it as saturation …clearly we need to open the game up if we want to keep and make NRL more competitive. Give us a chance like the Warriors. Regionalize/ internationalize the game
Can't tell if this is RL madness or a PVL master move. Ultimately, I struggle with the idea of another new team before the Bears return. They were dudded on a similar level to Souths and should have a right to come back in some guise. Hoping the interpretation of a possible 2027 team could come their way, but would need to be announced before March next year to have any hope.
I think the Bears will be in before PNG, there is a lot of ground work that needs to be put in place for the PNG team is ready to take off. Putting all the structures in place in PNG will take a lot longer than Perth 99% sure the Bears are going to happen.
Kids in Western Nations have screen time addiction. Many don't want to leave the house let alone play sport. PNG with 10 million + population and little threat from other sports will have the pick of athletes and should become a player farm for all NRL clubs once the academies, development and pathways are up and running. It is an important expansion for the NRL
There’s no way any Australian player will want to go over there and play and live If they think pumping a heap of money into their economy is it gonna stop hundreds and hundreds of years of violence and corruption they are sadly mistaken I would love to see the country completely transform I have spent a bit of time in New Guinea surfing and travelling so I know what I’m talking about I really hope it works
cant wait for the 2033 european expansion, Belgrade Brutes, Kiev Lynxes and Amsterdam Lions. That aside, I feel that this idea of an expanded pacific isnt just a ploy to undermine rugby union in the region, but also to try and increase the amount of people in stadiums. PNG viewers are likely to come out in force every Port Moresby match, the NRL may be trying to boost live audiences to better compete with the AFL in attendance,
Absolutely love the idea for those expansion sides, that’s right up my alley. As for crowds though, you’d be surprised. At the moment, the PNG stadium holds only 15k people. So unless they expand it significantly, they’ll actually bring down the average attendances of the NRL.
This agreement is subjected to change. Now is JMs time and season. Tomorrow holds for better decisions. Don't think it's permanent. 2028 has a different story.
Let's demonstrate maturity and put our personal inhouse petty politics, think big and look beyond the benefits it will bring to our children in schools that will benefit from this initiative. With games skills development of our boys and girls it will not only benefit our PNG team only but the player market is wide open for other NRL teams to select the best players. Obviously it will not happen overnight but it will surely and slowly come to pass in the long run. Let's not have negative divisive political agendas, hold hands and accept this milestone announcement with open arms and do what we can in terms of behavior and attitude change of our people especially our youths. Three years of preparation and wait is not a long time and doesn't mean wait for eternity!
Definitely better than a WA side. No one cares about rugby league in WA and that will never change. Just look at the only other non east coast team in the Storm and how much of a colossal failure that has been in terms of players and fans, WA would be the same but with a much smaller population. Need to focus on keeping the east coast an area where the NRL is followed going forward.
It’s all over the news here in Europe too. Of course, most news outlets don’t make the difference between Rugby and Rugby league. You had an Austrian headline “Rugby as political tool against China’s influence.” I believe the NRL team will be a disaster, certainly short and mid term. Cool experience playing there but really, no Aussie or Kiwi should move there just because of financial incentives. Especially if they have families, which most players have of course. The pathway programs are very good, but they don’t necessitate a team. And thinking that an NRL team will (significantly) improve PNG as a whole, is, I strongly believe, fantasy. Corruption, poverty, crime, poor quality of public services and education, those things aren’t improved by footy. But after all, it is a multifaceted project with a strong political goal. If it helps to push back China and the people of PNG/PM have something to cheer on, it might have some merits. Still, it’s taxpayers money, so expect criticism and scrutiny. Money would be better spend investing in things PNG desperate needs, which are basic things really.
Yeah I mean I definitely concede that this is a ‘best case scenario’ video. But I just felt there was enough media out there criticising the decision. Everything you’ve said there is completely valid, and I’ve raised many of those points in the past (particularly about pathways not necessitating a team - I believe that wholeheartedly). But it does absolutely have potential at its best, and I’m going to support it as much as I can so that it gets there
@ I value your content and respect your view, always. I was just giving my personal thoughts. I don’t like the way the NRL and the government are selling it. As we both mentioned and talked about a lot. Investing in pathways in the region including PNJ and the other Islands should have been done either way, no matter where 18th license went. Should have always be a separate discussion and is not a very controversial topic I believe. Telling us that it will help young kids with “going to school”, sounds almost cynical. As if kids in PNG are just lazy or difficult and value football more than their own future and lives.
@@LomuHabana Yeah it is certainly a flawed tactic when it comes to the schools. It might make more kids show up on the day, but then what about all the other days? And if the players show up most days, then it just kinda devalues it. This does seem like a bit of a pie-in-the-sky solution to a significant problem. But then again, I won’t claim to know more about it than the PNG officials on the ground there who came up with this proposal
I’m against it because I think there are better options, however the overall impact on PNG can’t be ignored. I have no doubt they will be everyone’s second team (until they start winning everything)
That's the racist view about PNG team. PNG is a nation of 10 million people and the talent are there. Give them 10 to 20 years after their entry and you will see the difference in NRL
@@francistokai560 It will be interesting to see which franchise gets the nod as the last team (Team 20). A second Kiwi team is most likely, though I still have a soft spot for the ideas of the Ram's or whatever you might call a team to crack the South Australian Market again.
Too much noise from outsiders and haters against PNG NRL succession. The leaders of NRL hierarchy are experts and have greater IQ and wisdom, hence made a sound decision. PNG has the market and fan base to fill the stadium week in week out unlike Fiji, Tonga and Samoa with a population less than 300,000. Dont boast about prominence of Tonga and Samoa, the players are Australian/NZ based. To the haters, there is no medicine 💊 to treat your conditions. Stay cool.😎
Before the INDEPENDENCE AUSTRALIA EXTRACTED ALL OUR RESOURCES OUR GOLD AND TIMBER TO BUILD THEIR ECONOMY ...NOW NO AUSTRALIAN SHOULD BE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE 18TH TEAM
Obviously the NRL is an Australian based competition, but I do hope to one day see it turn into a full pacific competition. PNG is coming, give Tonga, Samoa and Fiji a franchise each, a 2nd one in NZ, Adelaide, and Perth. It will cost money, but then the NRL could really start owning the rugby based market. Super Rugby have already started this with the Drua and Moana Pasifika (although Auckland based, they take home games to Samoa and Tonga) which means players there can get opportunities without leaving now. Given PNG’s population and NZ league continuing to grow there is 100% the opportunity to develop enough players through expansion and infrastructure help through the Pacific to get to 24+ teams. I could imagine a future that starts to look a bit more Americanized in terms of conferences and divisions. Just thinking out loud if it ever got to 24 with a conference of 12 - Christchurch, Warriors, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, PNG, Broncos, Cowboys, Dolphins, Western, Storm, 2nd PNG/3rd NZ/Adelaide or something. The other conference is the 12 NSW and surrounds teams.
Tbh while I consider myself an absolute expansionist, I definitely think giving Tonga, Samoa and Fiji each their own teams is overkill. Fiji potentially, but people massively overestimate the populations of the other two. Tonga is only 100k, and Samoa just over 200k. If this PNG team works, I’d be open to a Pasifika team based in Suva. But the bid would have to be rock solid, and they’d have to be able to satisfy all of those varying cultures simultaneously. Would be immensely cool though
I doubt an NRL franchise would work in Fiji. Currently the Silktails are an abject failure and RU is too entrenched especially with all the Pathways in place. Fijian players will always choose RU above RL because of the opportunities. You can play for one of the best 7s teams in history and win World titles as well as Olympic medals and travel the World doing it, or play abroad in the UK, France or Japan and earn more than you would playing in the NRL. It will probably suit Tongans and Samoans better as their RL teams are currently doing well, not that the Bati are terrible but people really don't care much for RL in Fiji.
Papua New Guinean national budget can barely support a bicycle at this point. I hope they find some private investors instead of government funding. Big waste of both Australian and PNG taxpayers' money
No reason why we should let that hold back the development and growth of the league. That’s doesn’t make sense. I’d much sooner change the name than let it limit us
My main concern is that… frankly in order for these admittedly solid measures to be trusted, I would need to trust that the famously corrupt and inefficient PNG government will be perfectly efficient and altruistic over the next few years. In this very video, the Prime Minister of PNG talks about having to make huge charges to Port Moresby’s intangibles. I’m skeptical. And, of course, the viability of this deal remaining through a government change is… doubtful
Those who think that having a professional sporting franchise in the PNG is a good idea have never been there. no australian or new zealand based player would want to live there unless your maybe in the twighlight of thier career and wanting to cash out. If they set up a secure compound for the players fair enough. Good luck to whoever has to live there or play there.
If I’m brutally honest, that’s not really relevant. They’re putting a team in a place they think can benefit the sport. That’s not really related to how strong their national teams are.
PNG has 10 million plus population compared to other Pacific island nations and all the natural talent are there. In the next few years time, NRL create pathways of growth and development of rugby league and two governments build modern sporting infrastructure, it will pave a way for PNG talent to raise up and shine to the world like cricket in India introduced by colonial power which make Indians become world champions, it can definitely happen to PNG to rugby league one day believe me .
What are YOU most excited to see about the Papua New Guinea side?
EDIT: Correction in the video. I misspoke and said 60 million, when the correct value is actually 600 million.
skibidi toilet fanum tax with my aura sigma
THE FANS 🎉
The fans 100%, I think just like the dolphins had they should have a home game in PNG and expect over 40 thousand fans depending on the size of the stadium
hi
@@GoofyEditsLOL Hello 🫡
Don't forget that hundreds of Australian companies and citizens operate in PNG generating Billions of dollars annually for Australia. $600m over a ten year period to support a PNG Rugby League team is peanuts so stop making an issue out of that. The big thing is that its a win-win situation for the Government of Australia & PNG.
Nice 1 yal kru 💥
Yep, and They can’t forget Manus island. Where they dumped their problems.
Hundreds of companies? Can you name me 50 of them?
bulls eye🎯
@@blackhand7072 SANTOS (South Australian Northern Territory Oil Search)
At first I was against spending all that money for an NRL team in a different country, but if it helps Papua New Guinean children go to school and bolster the economy of the country I can get behind that. I would be amazing to know one day that rugby league helped build a country’s socio-economics.
How will it help children “go to school”? It’s not that they hate school so much, it’s that their school sucks, they can’t afford it, they are often not safe going there and don’t have the time because they need to work and make money to support the family.
@LomuHabana bro PNG is not Africa. Our kids don't work to support the family. Kids don't go to school because most kids don't understand English so they shy away from from school
its a payoff to keep the chinese away from australia, chinese are every where in PNG
Australia spends near AU$5 billion on foreign-aid a year regardless. This $60M per year for ten years NRL PNG investment is one of the best uses of money there is.
@@PoppinC-l3w It’s really not. Certainly not all of it.
Australia is no match to China! This is the best bilateral agreement to unite PNG and Australia and unite the diversity in PNG!
PNG players have never been given the same opportunity compared to many Fijian and Polynesian Australian born players. Now is our time to step up to the big stage.
PNG people have attitude problem
I started watching the Australian Rugby League telecast live on ABC TV way back in 1983. In the NSWRFL Winfield Cup competition the Penrith Panthers is my favourite club and QldRFL XXXX Competition it was Valleys. Since then to date competition changes has evolved so much that Australian Rugby League expansion has finally reach the shores of my Country in PNG. I can't wait to see the PNGNRL team play against my very own NRL team in Penrith Panthers come 2028 and beyond....
That’s what it’s all about 🙌🏻
Name the PNG NRL team fuzzy wuzzy Angels
That’s all NRL teams these days
Bro that's right support
That could be awesome but have to clearly link to the Kokoda Trail history
Test of true friendship. Mouth friends for too long. Now you must accept PNG as your true friend to truely come into your space with all their attitudes and behaviours. All the best Aust!😂😂😅...Thanks PMJM.❤❤
Now you've explained it, it sounds pretty planned out n doable. I'll learn more as time goes on but sounds legit ay. Well done PNG
Glad I could be of service 🫡
Firstly.. appreciate your analysis on this... Secondly, for every PNG citizens that are unsure and are still optimistic and concerned about this.... right deep down in our minds and hearts... we somehow still appreciate and celebrate this... This is the game we bleed and die playing... whether it's geo-political pressure or socia-economic investment intervention...one thing remains the same is..'The Greatest Game of All' the game we love... Thank you Ausies ... Politics aside... Here we come....
I truly hope this proves to be one of the greatest decisions the NRL has ever made. That’s the potential
I’m legit so excited for their first game. The scenes in Port Moresby will be UNREAL 🇵🇬🇵🇬🇵🇬
❤❤❤❤
I believe so!
I go with V'Landy! Kids will definitely succeed by miles with the introduction of NRL/Rugby League as a Curriculum in the Sxhools (Primary, Secondary & Higher)..and hiring the likes of Lam, Marcus, Olam, etc with zero tax benefits to players & officials...there's greater benefits to the newest NRL franchise..a PNG NRL Team come 2028. I believe this concept will work out💪🏾🇵🇬👌🏾
I was so against this at first, but after seeing the strategies that the NRL is putting in place. It’s also great that introducing a professional rugby league team will be “Lifestyle change” according to the Prime Minister. I wish them the best of luck.
Love this presentation Mate
At first I hated the idea of the PNG team but now I am 90% onboard with my other 10% unsure of how the players, coaches and staff will stay safe and why the teams first game is in 2028, I think they should start in 2026 of 2027 not 2028. We get the excitement of the team then need to wait 3 years/seasons to see them play their first game. Otherwise great video as always keep up the amazing videos
Same I would like to see it earlier but I think they are doing it later so that they have time to develop the required infrastructure for players and staff, as well as create grassroots programs.
Thousands of expatriates including Australia are working and living in Port Moresby with their families.
You don't see or experience lifestyle here and speculating by hearing from unrealistic information.
The players will be worshipped as idols.
Love this content and definitely sharing it...thanks for the support ...
I really agree with you assessment of this NRL deal.😊
as an australian i actually love it
Brother much❤ from PNG
Do you reckon Lachlan Lam will play as starter
Obviously it's pure speculation at this point, but I definitely think he's an NRL quality player
Go PNG ,we can do it, no doubt.
We got freedom from Australia and NRL is peanuts and money is here.
We love the greatest game of all.❤
There is a lot of megative backlash about the use of taxpayer funds for this, but outside of that any issues I've read from concerned pundits are mainly centred around player safety (which gets negated by the compound).
Personally think it'll be incredible for the game; a built-in dedicated fanbase buying merch, going to games and supporting the comp, and providing a much needed boost in experience for the PNG national side.
Yep - and we do spend heaps already in foreign aid anyway. I imagine most people would be up in arms if they knew the values of our aid money as well (though personally I support it)
@@TheLeaguie Just think about the revenue Aussie Mining companies get out of places like PNG, the foreign aid is a tiny fraction of that.
@@TheLeaguie plus people whing about China's improved relations in the region and around the world, then complain about foreign aid to those places, doesn't make sense.
@@TheLeaguie I support it as long as the money goes to the intended place, and also the children benefit from it.
I think it's a great idea. Not only a new, hopefully competitive (after a few years) team but also security against anyone looking to undermine Australia in the Pacific!!
I am cautiously optimistic about this bid. It was one I think Australia had to make politically after the last decade or so saw the islands going closer to China, and on the other this does seem like the money’s going to the right areas. Hopefully this goes well
At first I was against a PNG team thinking it wouldn't really be a viable option with the state that PNG has been in and with it being tax payer money that is funding it. But after the announcement I am actually quite excited for it, i think 3 year length seems a bit long, but it gives the PNG government time to hopefully get some of the crime and civil unrest under control, i also think for a lot of people in PNG it might also help with the excitement that they are getting an NRL team.
Only thing I am potentially worried about, is if they don't get some of the civil unrest under control, I worry that it could make it hard for them to recruit senior players, especially ones with young families. I think it would be a hard call to move your family there for the NRL season. But that in itself also opens pathways for younger player both from Australia, PNG, Tonga and Samoa to get their break if it is hard to recruit older players.
Overall quite excited now about it, I think we could possibly also see the introduction of another team like Western Bears before or at the same time as PNG if that is all sorted out soon (Although i think they should do them in separate seasons, so both clubs get their time as the new team as people will want to watch a few of their games and that's a bit harder if both are added the same season)
Very well said, but on the note of senior players I’m actually not too concerned. I think the tax free income will attract a heap of guys prepared to spend 1-2 years away from their family for one massive last payday.
It’s the younger guys who want to go out and have a social life that I think they’ll struggle to attract
@@TheLeaguie Yea ok, that is actually a really good point, the tax free income could be really lucrative to senior players that are nearing the end of their career. I would also image with more teams, we possibly could see the introduction of a shorter season, and they would be back in Australia every 2-3 weeks anyway (even if it is a just a couple days).
Its a good point the younger players could actually be a bit harder with wanting to have a social life. Really good thought!
I will call the Team the “ PNG FuzzyWuzzies”
Why is everybody suggesting that name 😂
It will take PNG no time in becoming Rugby League Super power. Peter Valandys is a real visionary. This is great for the development and growth for the game for other countries as well. Rugby League could one day become a global sport..
Hahaha it will never be a global sport.. it's not even a national sport
0:00 and it’s a banger
You have many Fiji Tonga Samoa in NRL. PNG has only one in NRL now . Simply PNG is underrepresented in NRL. If you are concern about Polynesian Island nations you can help them to have their own team too
Hopefully we see Robert Derby nail down a spot at the cowboys this year. As well as the return of Zac Laybutt!
PNG has more super league players than NRL players maybe for the start, super league players as well as contract players from NRL will dominate the team.
I think this is alright, if they can attract a good amount of players it will be good.
Thank Australian government for accepting PNG team to NRL
The logistics will be a nightmare for the schedules❤
I thought png would be a bad idea but when I heard that it was all pacific development in the grassroots and could help the next few years with the new team but also the fans will be great and also another great banger
I like the idea, i would like to see the nrl bring in maybe 2 development contracts for current nrl teams that would be filled exclusively by png, Tongan, Samoan and Fijian born player, that way the pool of players for this new team would be expanded. Those two spots could potentially be outside the salary cap.
I like that idea a lot actually. Making it outside the salary cap is always tricky though. For example, Stephen Crichton was born in Apia, Samoa. But he moved to NZ when he was 2. I think everyone would agree that the Dogs having him be outside of the salary cap wouldn’t be in the spirit of that rule. But definitely one we could work on!
@TheLeaguie thats why it would only be for development players say 21 or younger
This is cool
Thank you
I think there should be no need to fund Samoan and Tongan rugby in their countris, this is because there are too too many of them born and breed in Australia and are playing in NRL and representing Tonaga and Samoa in International games. Where as PNG, most players are local born and breed and are representing PNG in International games. When Tonga and Samoa play rugby, it's just like another two Kangaroos or Austrlalian Teams playing on behalf of Tonga and Samoa. What do you guys think?
I can’t say I agree to be honest. I see what you’re saying, but if we have the means to fund their development… then we should. That can only be a positive thing for the overall game of rugby league
Youre correct.
Leaguie new confirmed team he supports?
A development upgrade for PNG pretty much in the sport, even though PNGians themselves have mixed feelings about this. Anyways long overdue despite my skepticism on this working out.
I am glad the funds also support Fiji and Tonga.
People must understand that PNG is the only country without clear pathways into the NRL.. unlike Samoa, Tonga and even Fiji these nations get direct access and exposure to the NRL from New Zealand and Australia respectively. Never willing to invest in our young boys let alone seasoned players. That's why PNG as usual we have to go alone.
We got Qland intrust super cup after just 4yrs in the competition (against all odds and criticism of be wooden spooners but year in year out till then we were always were competitive)... We are ready! Bring it!!🇵🇬🇵🇬❤️🤜🤛
“PNG Angels” goes hard
The time Australia welcomes the PNG NRL TEAM 2028 " The Fuzzy Wuzzy Angles"🎉🎉🎉🎉
❤❤❤❤❤🎉
If that million plus dollars go to Pacific pathways, then there is no excuse to set up a stand-alone 🇹🇴 v 🇼🇸 Origin series during the origin window after the new broadcast deal.
Australia spends close to AU$5 billion on foreign-aid a year regardless. This $60M per year for ten years NRL PNG investment is one of the best uses of money there is and arguably ever will be.
As for safety concerns, every country has diplomats and foreign businessmen who live in their country. That's true even in warzones. There are sections of the city that can be policed better or even walled off to make them safe. It's a borderline non-issue.
This government so far has mismanaged immigration, a housing crisis and the cost of living blowout - why am I feeling a little apprehensive about them trying to use the NRL as a tool to counteract Chinese influence ? I would love to see the Papuans do well but I'm not sure they are being included for the right reason. My main concern would be the security of foreign players who decide to relocate there or the fans who travel to Papua to watch the games. I really hope for everyones sake that these fears turn out to be unfounded.
Hopefully they can be successful. I still have concerns that their stadium is a bit too small to be an NRL stadium.Great video Bondi Baiter
Goddamn when did I reveal that channel name? Impressive stuff
I’m rewatching some of your old livestreams. And I watched one of your videos.
@@TheLeaguie Can I make a community post about that channel
@@tigerwalccer Sure I guess, if you find it interesting. It was half a decade ago though 😂
PNG will build a new Stadium before 2028. Don't you worry about this....now that we have the approval from the NRL
Would love to hear your thoughts about how you think broncos will do in 2025
I’ll do season previews where I go more in-depth on each team, but I’m high on them coming into 2025. They should comfortably make the finals imo
The discussion of Broncos is out of the context.
@@francistokai560 you're out of context
I think if it can get through a few years without big security issues it will be a success, that is probably the only thing that can undo this.
I understand the logic behind it but i would have preferred to see Sth Island Team and a Perth Team before PNG.
Perth I still believe will come in in 2027. Those negotiations are ongoing. Sth island I’m not too sure about, but I do eventually expect them as team #20
I'd like to see the second New Zealand team start playing before Perth. It already makes sense when you factor timezone and travel.
Mate Panthers did a 4 - peat ( God forbid a five next season and break my broncos heart ) …but at such a level we can describe it as saturation …clearly we need to open the game up if we want to keep and make NRL more competitive. Give us a chance like the Warriors. Regionalize/ internationalize the game
Can't tell if this is RL madness or a PVL master move. Ultimately, I struggle with the idea of another new team before the Bears return. They were dudded on a similar level to Souths and should have a right to come back in some guise. Hoping the interpretation of a possible 2027 team could come their way, but would need to be announced before March next year to have any hope.
It’s actually looking like the bears WILL come in before PNG. They’re still negotiating, but it currently looks like Bears in 27, and PNG in 28
@TheLeaguie I hope so! I think both will be benefits to the league in the end!
I think the Bears will be in before PNG, there is a lot of ground work that needs to be put in place for the PNG team is ready to take off. Putting all the structures in place in PNG will take a lot longer than Perth 99% sure the Bears are going to happen.
Kids in Western Nations have screen time addiction. Many don't want to leave the house let alone play sport. PNG with 10 million + population and little threat from other sports will have the pick of athletes and should become a player farm for all NRL clubs once the academies, development and pathways are up and running.
It is an important expansion for the NRL
There’s no way any Australian player will want to go over there and play and live If they think pumping a heap of money into their economy is it gonna stop hundreds and hundreds of years of violence and corruption they are sadly mistaken I would love to see the country completely transform I have spent a bit of time in New Guinea surfing and travelling so I know what I’m talking about I really hope it works
cant wait for the 2033 european expansion, Belgrade Brutes, Kiev Lynxes and Amsterdam Lions.
That aside, I feel that this idea of an expanded pacific isnt just a ploy to undermine rugby union in the region, but also to try and increase the amount of people in stadiums. PNG viewers are likely to come out in force every Port Moresby match, the NRL may be trying to boost live audiences to better compete with the AFL in attendance,
Absolutely love the idea for those expansion sides, that’s right up my alley.
As for crowds though, you’d be surprised. At the moment, the PNG stadium holds only 15k people. So unless they expand it significantly, they’ll actually bring down the average attendances of the NRL.
Fiji Tonga Samoa will have their own NRL team too
HOPE PNG DO BETTER THAN THE WARRIORS ...
Tigers are stoked
This agreement is subjected to change. Now is JMs time and season. Tomorrow holds for better decisions. Don't think it's permanent. 2028 has a different story.
Let's demonstrate maturity and put our personal inhouse petty politics, think big and look beyond the benefits it will bring to our children in schools that will benefit from this initiative.
With games skills development of our boys and girls it will not only benefit our PNG team only but the player market is wide open for other NRL teams to select the best players.
Obviously it will not happen overnight but it will surely and slowly come to pass in the long run.
Let's not have negative divisive political agendas, hold hands and accept this milestone announcement with open arms and do what we can in terms of behavior and attitude change of our people especially our youths.
Three years of preparation and wait is not a long time and doesn't mean wait for eternity!
Just for context. The reported population is said to be underreported by Millions
Definitely better than a WA side. No one cares about rugby league in WA and that will never change. Just look at the only other non east coast team in the Storm and how much of a colossal failure that has been in terms of players and fans, WA would be the same but with a much smaller population. Need to focus on keeping the east coast an area where the NRL is followed going forward.
It’s all over the news here in Europe too. Of course, most news outlets don’t make the difference between Rugby and Rugby league. You had an Austrian headline “Rugby as political tool against China’s influence.” I believe the NRL team will be a disaster, certainly short and mid term. Cool experience playing there but really, no Aussie or Kiwi should move there just because of financial incentives. Especially if they have families, which most players have of course. The pathway programs are very good, but they don’t necessitate a team. And thinking that an NRL team will (significantly) improve PNG as a whole, is, I strongly believe, fantasy. Corruption, poverty, crime, poor quality of public services and education, those things aren’t improved by footy.
But after all, it is a multifaceted project with a strong political goal. If it helps to push back China and the people of PNG/PM have something to cheer on, it might have some merits. Still, it’s taxpayers money, so expect criticism and scrutiny. Money would be better spend investing in things PNG desperate needs, which are basic things really.
Yeah I mean I definitely concede that this is a ‘best case scenario’ video. But I just felt there was enough media out there criticising the decision. Everything you’ve said there is completely valid, and I’ve raised many of those points in the past (particularly about pathways not necessitating a team - I believe that wholeheartedly). But it does absolutely have potential at its best, and I’m going to support it as much as I can so that it gets there
@ I value your content and respect your view, always. I was just giving my personal thoughts. I don’t like the way the NRL and the government are selling it. As we both mentioned and talked about a lot. Investing in pathways in the region including PNJ and the other Islands should have been done either way, no matter where 18th license went. Should have always be a separate discussion and is not a very controversial topic I believe.
Telling us that it will help young kids with “going to school”, sounds almost cynical. As if kids in PNG are just lazy or difficult and value football more than their own future and lives.
@@LomuHabana Yeah it is certainly a flawed tactic when it comes to the schools. It might make more kids show up on the day, but then what about all the other days? And if the players show up most days, then it just kinda devalues it. This does seem like a bit of a pie-in-the-sky solution to a significant problem.
But then again, I won’t claim to know more about it than the PNG officials on the ground there who came up with this proposal
I THINK WERE GOING TO GET 4K SUBS BY THE END OF THE YEAR?????
FINGERS CROSSED
I’m against it because I think there are better options, however the overall impact on PNG can’t be ignored. I have no doubt they will be everyone’s second team (until they start winning everything)
I agree for sure that there are better options, particularly Perth. But it sounds like we may even get Perth before PNG anyway
Currently NRL has 17 teams and PNG is declared already as 18 therefore Perth could 19 and so on.
That's the racist view about PNG team. PNG is a nation of 10 million people and the talent are there. Give them 10 to 20 years after their entry and you will see the difference in NRL
@@francistokai560 It will be interesting to see which franchise gets the nod as the last team (Team 20). A second Kiwi team is most likely, though I still have a soft spot for the ideas of the Ram's or whatever you might call a team to crack the South Australian Market again.
Too much noise from outsiders and haters against PNG NRL succession.
The leaders of NRL hierarchy are experts and have greater IQ and wisdom, hence made a sound decision.
PNG has the market and fan base to fill the stadium week in week out unlike Fiji, Tonga and Samoa with a population less than 300,000. Dont boast about prominence of Tonga and Samoa, the players are Australian/NZ based.
To the haters, there is no medicine 💊 to treat your conditions. Stay cool.😎
Before the INDEPENDENCE AUSTRALIA EXTRACTED ALL OUR RESOURCES OUR GOLD AND TIMBER TO BUILD THEIR ECONOMY ...NOW NO AUSTRALIAN SHOULD BE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE 18TH TEAM
Obviously the NRL is an Australian based competition, but I do hope to one day see it turn into a full pacific competition. PNG is coming, give Tonga, Samoa and Fiji a franchise each, a 2nd one in NZ, Adelaide, and Perth. It will cost money, but then the NRL could really start owning the rugby based market. Super Rugby have already started this with the Drua and Moana Pasifika (although Auckland based, they take home games to Samoa and Tonga) which means players there can get opportunities without leaving now. Given PNG’s population and NZ league continuing to grow there is 100% the opportunity to develop enough players through expansion and infrastructure help through the Pacific to get to 24+ teams. I could imagine a future that starts to look a bit more Americanized in terms of conferences and divisions. Just thinking out loud if it ever got to 24 with a conference of 12 - Christchurch, Warriors, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, PNG, Broncos, Cowboys, Dolphins, Western, Storm, 2nd PNG/3rd NZ/Adelaide or something. The other conference is the 12 NSW and surrounds teams.
Tbh while I consider myself an absolute expansionist, I definitely think giving Tonga, Samoa and Fiji each their own teams is overkill. Fiji potentially, but people massively overestimate the populations of the other two. Tonga is only 100k, and Samoa just over 200k.
If this PNG team works, I’d be open to a Pasifika team based in Suva. But the bid would have to be rock solid, and they’d have to be able to satisfy all of those varying cultures simultaneously. Would be immensely cool though
I doubt an NRL franchise would work in Fiji. Currently the Silktails are an abject failure and RU is too entrenched especially with all the Pathways in place. Fijian players will always choose RU above RL because of the opportunities. You can play for one of the best 7s teams in history and win World titles as well as Olympic medals and travel the World doing it, or play abroad in the UK, France or Japan and earn more than you would playing in the NRL. It will probably suit Tongans and Samoans better as their RL teams are currently doing well, not that the Bati are terrible but people really don't care much for RL in Fiji.
Papua New Guinean national budget can barely support a bicycle at this point. I hope they find some private investors instead of government funding. Big waste of both Australian and PNG taxpayers' money
Someone remind me what the letters "NRL" stand for?
No reason why we should let that hold back the development and growth of the league. That’s doesn’t make sense.
I’d much sooner change the name than let it limit us
The name of the new team should be' PNG WANTOKS'
Hey brah can I sponsor you
That all depends how much you’re offering 🫡
Em orait, sanding blo traim.. png team
Roosters to be the first team to lose to the PNG side
*$600 million agreement of tax payers money, not $60 million.
Whoops, misspoke. I'll add that to my pinned comment 💚
My main concern is that… frankly in order for these admittedly solid measures to be trusted, I would need to trust that the famously corrupt and inefficient PNG government will be perfectly efficient and altruistic over the next few years.
In this very video, the Prime Minister of PNG talks about having to make huge charges to Port Moresby’s intangibles. I’m skeptical.
And, of course, the viability of this deal remaining through a government change is… doubtful
The Leaguie is sponsored by Kitchen Gun
Those who think that having a professional sporting franchise in the PNG is a good idea have never been there. no australian or new zealand based player would want to live there unless your maybe in the twighlight of thier career and wanting to cash out. If they set up a secure compound for the players fair enough. Good luck to whoever has to live there or play there.
When government gets involved watch out there's something cooking in the background
NRL is full of shit, The PNG can't even beat Tongan or Samoan, how can the NRL thinks this is a great idea
fr
If I’m brutally honest, that’s not really relevant. They’re putting a team in a place they think can benefit the sport. That’s not really related to how strong their national teams are.
When Tonga and Samoa had no NRL exposure or players, they were beaten by PNG....so after 2028, we'll see how it turns out?
@@MerilynVvaria The Tongan and Samoan teams are almost entirely made up of Australian and Kiwi PIs.
PNG has 10 million plus population compared to other Pacific island nations and all the natural talent are there. In the next few years time, NRL create pathways of growth and development of rugby league and two governments build modern sporting infrastructure, it will pave a way for PNG talent to raise up and shine to the world like cricket in India introduced by colonial power which make Indians become world champions, it can definitely happen to PNG to rugby league one day believe me .