The Rugby League World Cup 2017 chief executive officer and Australian Rugby League Commission chairman arrived in Port Moresby today.
This is for meetings with the PNG Rugby League Football League on Friday, and to watch the 12th annual NGCB Prime Minister’s XIII match between Australia and Papua New Guinea on Saturday.
PNGRFL chairman Sandis Tsaka said CEO Andrew Hill his support team will be in Port Moresby for the 3rd Port Moresby Host City Coordination meeting, to be held at the National Football Stadium.
“The meeting will be updated on anticipated travel schedule for visiting teams, accommodation and transport arrangements and security program of the RLWC2017,” Tsaka said.
He added the meeting will involve discussions with the government, host city representatives and other stakeholders as well.
The chairman said visits will also be made to the Sir John Guise Stadium and National Football Stadium, venues where three pool games will be played next year.
“Pre competition friendlies and trial matches for the PNG LNG Kumuls will also be on the agenda for discussion,” Tsaka said.
He stated that discussions with the head of the ARL Commission, John Grant, will basically centre on how they can help develop the game of rugby league in the country and the region.
“These discussions will benefit PNGRFL on possible assistance and ways of future development from the ARL Commission,” he said.
Their attendance to the NGCB Prime Minister’s XIII game on Saturday reflects the importance and value this annual fixture has between our two countries.
“On behalf of the PNGRFL Board, staff and the Rugby League fraternity in PNG, I extend a warm welcome to Andrew Hill and John Grant to Papua New Guinea,” Tsaka said.
Both gentlemen and their teams leave on Sunday.