Rugby League in PNG has received an enormous boost with the news that Digicel PNG, will televise the NRL Bid Academy Tournament on TVWAN 3 on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st July. The tournament, which will take place in Goroka, will see the eyes of the PNG Rugby League world focused on the best school-based U19 males and U18 females in the country showcasing their skills. As part of this historic outcome for the sport, Digicel PNG will televise 16 of the 22 matches in the tournament. Coverage will begin at 9am on Saturday 20th, with eight male and female matches to be shown over the course of the day. On Sunday, Digicel PNG will broadcast several elimination matches, plus all male and female semifinals and finals. In addition, for those unable to access Digicel PNG, the whole tournament will be live streamed through the PNG NRL Bid Facebook page. This means that fans can watch all 22 male and female matches in the tournament. To access the live stream, click on the link below: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556877715213&mibextd=LQQJ4d The broadcasting of the tournament is a major stride forward for the sport in PNG and highlights the level of professionalism that the game is achieving. Fans will now be able to watch the most talented youngsters in the country compete in another major boost for the NRL Bid team as they look to create the structure to carry the sport to the next level. PNG NRL Bid Chief Executive, Andrew Hill, saw the enormous benefit that rugby league would receive through Digicel PNG’s decision to broadcast the tournament: “It is a major boost for our game in PNG when we are able to create a partnership with Digicel PNG that will allow the best young players in the country to showcase their talent to the fans of the game in this country.” “The NRL Bid Academy tournament shows how far we have come in relation to professionalism and player development, and that will be important as we look to become part of the NRL.” “The players taking part in the tournament are the future of the game in PNG and to be able to see them perform in front of a television audience is an enormous boost for our sport.” “I sincerely thank Digicel PNG for their support and look forward to everyone tuning in on the 20th and 21st to see the talent that exists at this level.”