Papua New Guinea is one of five tendering nations that have been confirmed for the International Rugby League (IRL) Women’s Rugby League World Cup 2028. Initially eleven countries, in total, confirmed expressions of interest in hosting the 2028-30 Women’s, Wheelchair and Men’s tournaments. For the 2028 Women’s World Cup, France, Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and South Africa have now moved onto the next stage of bidding. The interest reflects the growth of a tournament that was first staged in 2000 as the Women’s World Series in England -one of three occasions on which they have hosted, along with 2013 and 2022. Australia, in 2008 and 2017, and New Zealand, which hosted the inaugural Women’s World Cup at North Harbour in 2003, are the other nations to have staged the tournament. “The response from the rugby league world to the invitation to tender process has been really encouraging,” said IRL chair Troy Grant. “The strategy to reduce the size of World Cup tournaments and to place them in standalone years was based on two main objectives: increasing IRL’s commercial strength and broadening the number of host countries." “The unprecedented spread of potential hosts from all corners of the rugby league map is a clear sign that the World Cup is a much more accessible event than it has been, and we look forward to receiving some compelling final bids.” Recently the final bid submission deadline was extended from October 2024 to February 2025 as a result of local events outside of multiple tender's control. Papua New Guinea hosted matches during the 2017 World Cup and will again be a venue for the next World Cup in 2026. PNGRFL Chairman Sandis Tsaka said his organisation had the resources and experience to host a standalone Women’s World Cup in 2028. “Papua New Guinea Rugby League is extremely excited to have this opportunity to tender for the first stand-alone Women’s Rugby League World Cup,” PNGRFL Chairman Sandis Tsaka said. “As Papua New Guinea moves further towards having a team in the NRL, having the opportunity to host the first stand-alone Women’s Rugby League World Cup shows the depth of rugby league in PNG.” PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hondina added, "Women playing rugby league in PNG continues to grow and become stronger year by year and this has led to greater opportunities for women within PNG. Showing the women that they now have pathways is an extremely exciting."