Unfortunately for Papua New Guinea, overseas news speculations regarding PNG to become the 18th NRL team are false. PNG NRL BID Chief Executive Officer Andrew Hill in an interview with PNG HAUSBUNG today clarified that they have not received any word or confirmation from the Australian Government to be the 18th NRL team and the media speculations that came from overseas during the week were premature. “We have not received confirmation yet, but I can say is that we are working really close with both the Australian and PNG Government and the NRL nearly on a daily basis on all the details that would be required to make a finals submission to the NRL.” “Those conversations are going very positively and there’s lots of general agreement, but we haven’t got the word that we are the 18th team yet.” Hill also confirmed that there’s still several months away from the NRL making the final decision and both governments will play a key role in making sure the financials for the club are taken care of. “Ultimately, it’s the NRL that gets to make that decision.” “They’ve certainly indicated that they want to expand, they want an 18th team and that they will be ready to make that decision, hopefully before Christmas.” “We are still some months away but certainly before the end of the year, I’m confident that the NRL will announce the 18th team.” Hill expressed much excitement and anticipation for the announcement of the 18th NRL team by the end of this as this would be a wonderful opportunity for PNG to participate in the world’s best rugby league competition on a weekly basis against the very best athletes across Australia and New Zealand. “We are getting closer to be the 18th team but we’re not there yet.” “I’m very confident that the final submission and discussion with the NRL will see that if they agree on the merit of us becoming the 18th team and they will have the confidence that over a period of time, we will start to develop lots of players and lots of staff.” Hill further stated that, if PNG is confirmed to be the 18th team once the decision is made, there will be a great amount of work for the team to do to prepare for the 2028 NRL season.