Confirmed: PNG Team Coming 2028

[manly al]

Just heard the Cowboys C E O commenting on the topic and he gave the impression of being quite positive about the whole proposal and also the indication that there was no real objection from existing clubs .
Maybe a bit less favorable if the P N G Kumuls have not been relatively successful or a relatively successful venture for over a decade now and sure that Vladys and Co would not have approved it if they did not think it was going to be a net benefit to the code overall .
Always was going to have a not insignificant geo political consideration but maybe also helpful to look beyond the politics of the exercise and take into account of it being again, a benefit to the code in general

 

[sheridanstand78]

We are swimming in debt as a country. Each way Albo makes a decision that is all political and it would be lovely if the money they plan to invest in that project would be spent in upgrading the facilities at some of our grounds first!

 

[The '47ers]

Just heard the Cowboys C E O commenting on the topic and he gave the impression of being quite positive about the whole proposal and also the indication that there was no real objection from existing clubs .
Maybe a bit less favorable if the P N G Kumuls have not been relatively successful or a relatively successful venture for over a decade now and sure that Vladys and Co would not have approved it if they did not think it was going to be a net benefit to the code overall .
Always was going to have a not insignificant geo political consideration but maybe also helpful to look beyond the politics of the exercise and take into account of it being again, a benefit to the code in general

Of course he's positive, the clubs are getting money from it as well!

 

[The '47ers]

Key detail about Mary Fowler as Nathan Cleary linked with $600m NRL team switch

A key detail around Mary Fowler means the Nathan Cleary move could be possible. Read more here.

au.sports.yahoo.com

Lmfao they're drawing long bows already

 

[Scorpio]

Albo can't even look after the everyday Aussie but we'll throw $600M down the chute in other country.

I think some people see this number in isolation and don't consider the relevant context.

Foreign aid and development programs are a core part of international diplomacy and geopolitics. In the last 10 years (under both Labor and Coalition governments) Australia has spent a combined total of around $45 billion (with a B) in foreign aid and development programs. Foreign Aid spending as a percentage of Gross National Income has actually been dropping in recent years.

Source: Trends - Australian Aid Tracker

PNG has a long relationship with Australia but it's naive to think that all foreign aid by all countries worldwide is implemented purely out of the kindness of their hearts... there are usually strings attached, usually for security and business reasons.

If PNG announced tomorrow that they'd signed a security agreement with China... it would possibly mean that China would build a military base/s in PNG on Australia's doorstep. It would then likely follow that they would then be able to control, influence or have preferential access to PNG's large amount of natural resources (at the expense of Australia and Australian companies). There are also shipping lanes and PNG ports that could be susceptible to undue influence (see: Billions of dollars of Australian exports being stranded in Chinese ports in 2020 due to 'administrative decisions').

The Australian government could have changed nothing regarding PNG foreign aid and simply hope the above scenarios don't happen. But the long term benefits to the Australian economy in avoiding these scenarios would be far greater than the $600m total outlay for this project. Given the federal opposition's silence on this issue, I suspect they agree.

Again, the project is not guaranteed to be successful, but that is why the exit clauses are there.

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

I think some people see this number in isolation and don't consider the relevant context.

Foreign aid and development programs are a core part of international diplomacy and geopolitics. In the last 10 years (under both Labor and Coalition governments) Australia has spent a combined total of around $45 billion (with a B) in foreign aid and development programs. Foreign Aid spending as a percentage of Gross National Income has actually been dropping in recent years.

Source: Trends - Australian Aid Tracker

PNG has a long relationship with Australia but it's naive to think that all foreign aid by all countries worldwide is implemented purely out of the kindness of their hearts... there are usually strings attached, usually for security and business reasons.

If PNG announced tomorrow that they'd signed a security agreement with China... it would possibly mean that China would build a military base/s in PNG on Australia's doorstep. It would then likely follow that they would then be able to control, influence or have preferential access to PNG's large amount of natural resources (at the expense of Australia and Australian companies). There are also shipping lanes and PNG ports that could be susceptible to undue influence (see: Billions of dollars of Australian exports being stranded in Chinese ports in 2020 due to 'administrative decisions').

The Australian government could have changed nothing regarding PNG foreign aid and simply hope the above scenarios don't happen. But the long term benefits to the Australian economy in avoiding these scenarios would be far greater than the $600m total outlay for this project. Given the federal opposition's silence on this issue, I suspect they agree.

Again, the project is not guaranteed to be successful, but that is why the exit clauses are there.

Yeah we all know WHY it’s happened , not much to do with Rugby League ( sadly ) but it’s the logistics of making it work that’s the issue.

Honestly , they are mad about the game so I hope it does work , but it’s fraught with so much danger.

A mates son works there , as a pilot for Air Nuigini, young , single , getting lots of flight hours up but it’s very short term.

Lives in a gated community, can’t go anywhere or do anything , has to be transported to work in a bullet proof truck, zero life for a family.

There will be tons of locals lining up to play but can’t see too many NRL players signing up.

 

[Scorpio]

Yeah we all know WHY it’s happened

Based on some of the comments here, I am not sure that is the case.

But yes, logistically and geopolitically there are some pretty big risks and unknowns.

 

[Frogz]

Based on some of the comments here, I am not sure that is the case.

But yes, logistically and geopolitically there are some pretty big risks and unknowns.

IMO you are believing all the spin. China have been in PNG for 25 + years. They already have a huge presence in the area, as well as Solomon Islands, manufacturing and military wise. China is a significant provider of both investments and development aid to Papua New Guinea.... If anyone thinks $600 million and a football team is going to keep China at bay, tell em they are dreaming.

 

[Scorpio]

IMO you are believing all the spin. China have been in PNG for 25 + years. They already have a huge presence in the area, as well as Solomon Islands, manufacturing and military wise. China is a significant provider of both investments and development aid to Papua New Guinea.... If anyone thinks $600 million and a football team is going to keep China at bay, tell em they are dreaming.

I think the government and relevant agencies were a bit unsettled by the security pact that was signed between China and Solomon Islands in 2022, and the priority is to deter PNG from doing the same. Other foreign investment and presence seems to be less of a priority.

It may not succeed in that aim, but if they sat idly by and just allowed their influence in PNG to wane after decades of providing foreign aid there would (and should) have been a lot more criticism.

It is a bit unfortunate that NRL is the diplomatic instrument being used here, but at least they are being compensated for it, and there is still 3 years of lead time.

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

The locals will love it they are nuts about the game.

That’s not the issue.

The logistics needed for the safety of the other teams players is going to cost an absolute bomb.

It’s bound to end in disaster , at some point.

 

[double hoops]

Too many teams too quickly. Might be TOO much of a focus on more teams to increase income from TV deals for my liking.

I get the feeling that just because the dolphins have been competitive, PVL has got greedy and wants more more more.

If he goes another 3 in quick succession. Hmmm.

Short memories don't they, Why would Quale pick the best two bids, from Cows, Crushers, Warriors & Reds? Nah stuff that just give em all a licence, what could go wrong!

Nek minute the gulf between first and last is that wide half the games ain't worth watching, the talent pool so diluted the over all standard of games lowers. The comps standing ruined. Giving birth to a competitor who knows they can run things better than this **** show, and make more dollars along the way, with a smaller more competitive comp that folks might actually again pay to watch.

Don't be surprised if this time around it is the Union/League hybrid which has been gaining financial traction over in the UK for a few years now. Union and Super League they are fighting each other for the same Corporate Sponsors over in the mother country and struggling to make ends meet, where the roundball game totally dominates.

It might not be Murdoch vs Packer this time round, but it could still be called Super League or Super Union.

 

[Frogz]

I think the government and relative agencies were a bit unsettled by the security pact that was signed between China and Solomon Islands in 2022, and the priority is to deter PNG from doing the same. Other foreign investment and presence seems to be less of a priority.

It may not succeed in that aim, but if they sat idly by and just allowed their influence in PNG to wane after decades of providing foreign aid there would (and should) have been a lot more criticism.

It is a bit unfortunate that NRL is the diplomatic instrument being used here, but at least they are being compensated for it, and there is still 3 years of lead time.

Also within this so called foreign investment package, that a sizeable chunk of the $600 million investment from the federal government, which paved the way for expansion to take place, will be shared with the game’s 17 clubs in return for diluting their membership of the ARL Commission.

I agree with what your saying, but its just absolute bullsh1t the way its trying to be sold by Albo and PVL.

 

[BOZO]

IMO you are believing all the spin. China have been in PNG for 25 + years. They already have a huge presence in the area, as well as Solomon Islands, manufacturing and military wise. China is a significant provider of both investments and development aid to Papua New Guinea.... If anyone thinks $600 million and a football team is going to keep China at bay, tell em they are dreaming.

Albo should have bypassed PNG and Use that $600 million to Invest in Regional Security with a China NRL team . All political differences would be sorted peacefully on the field
Sounds like a farce ? So does the PNG deal

 

[Ralphie]

Albo won't be around for much longer. I doubt you'll find PV wasting money needlessly. He is an astute businessman. While I rarely agree mixing politics with sport I see it is an investment in a slightly more secure future for Australia.

China will happily replace the $600 million and add another $1 billion to it, so it will achieve absolutely nothing politically.

 

[Ralphie]

The locals will love it they are nuts about the game.

That’s not the issue.

The logistics needed for the safety of the other teams players is going to cost an absolute bomb.

It’s bound to end in disaster , at some point.

Just imagine opposition team supporters flying to Port Moresby to watch a game, then they win in controversial circumstances. You wouldn't get outa there in one piece. The folly of this decision beggars belief.

 

[BOZO]

Albo has been Spending our Money like a Drunken Sailor since he has been elected
This is the final act of Gross Mi$$$$management by the Labor Government
The Next election can not come soon enough

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

Just imagine opposition team supporters flying to Port Moresby to watch a game, then they win in controversial circumstances. You wouldn't get outa there in one piece. The folly of this decision beggars belief.

It would make the comparison of going to a Bulldogs home game a walk in the park.

It’ll only take one travelling supporter or football department person attacked with a machete and it’ll be “ game over”.

 

[BOZO]

Albo
Papua New Guinea New Puppet

 

[manly al]

Must be plenty of consulates and embassies that have been established in Port Moresby for quite some time now and their foreign nationals being given sufficient or adequate security and safety provisions .
Not to take into account the incentives [ and that is going to be interesting ] being offered to overseas based players . Locally sourced players or their families also , would probably have to be included in any permanent or specially appointed living precinct
Not too sure on how many test matches and home Kumul's games have been played there over the years but especially in the QLD cup home games , would be quite considerable now and.
which must have included plenty of overnight stays and satisfactory outcomes
Bit more required in scale for a full time league side but surely manageable in the practical sense
And not only promoting the R L men"s game but the women "s as well .
Anyway fair enough to have a range of detractive outlooks based on whatever reasons and still over three years away but be very surprised if it does not go ahead and develop into a viable option

 

[The '47ers]

China will happily replace the $600 million and add another $1 billion to it, so it will achieve absolutely nothing politically.

You only have to look at what China owns/runs in Australia already, it's endless. That group of 200 pubs that were going to brush Australia Day hmm Chinese owned. Obviously tip.of the iceberg, ports, hospitals, farms on and on. PNG nothing to them.