Preparation for the Rugby League World Cup 2017, to be hosted in Papua New Guinea, is going well and on target, says Minister for Sports Justin Tkatchenko.
The World Cup tournament will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand from October 27-December 2, while PNG will host the Kumuls’ three pool matches in Port Moresby.
Tkatchenko said it is very well organised and he is pleased with the way the professional team and host committee are moving forward.
The host city, through the National Capital District Commission, has given K5m with the Government topping up with another K5m to host the event.
“We’ve got two platinum sponsors, Oil Search and SP Brewery that are doing a fantastic job to come on board and support the Government’s initiative to have the RLWC played in Moresby,” Tkatchenko said.
“We are working very closely with the World Rugby League Host Committee to ensure a successful event.
“We are on target with everything and we’ll be announcing some very exciting promotions and programs, including tickets sales and others, in the months ahead.”
Tkatchenko added that the Paul Barrière Trophy will tour PNG in months leading up to the tournament.
This is to allow people in the provinces to be a part of the RLWC, especially when rugby league is PNG’s national sport.
He said going out to the villages and many remote places is a great opportunity to involve the country during the tournament as very few people have the chance to watch the world cup matches.