The official launch of the PNG NRL BID to be the 18th NRL team was launched Wednesday night at the Stanley Hotel in Port Moresby. PNG NRL BID Chairman Mr Wapu Sonk said, they have been working closely with all stakeholders as well as taking that major step forward (last week) with the first ever Academy for elite junior players as one of the requirements to be eligible to be in the BID. “We’ve been basically working with all the stakeholders, the Australian stakeholders & government, NRL, PNG Stakeholders & government as well.” “Most of it has been really about listening and trying to get the structures right so it will stand up (BID).” “It’s not just a team, it’s a company we’re upgrading so where we are now is to launch and start the program.” Mr Sonk said, the committees are working on getting the license in 2025 and hopefully participate by 2027. Meanwhile, the Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific Mr Pat Conroy said, they will invest $5.5 million (K13.4 million) to further support PNG’s NRL BID in its business case, the schoolboys and girls’ competition and to provide funding for a skills academy (Centre of Excellence). Conroy said, to have a franchise team, PNG needs to start developing young elite players and that’s the step they’re taking now. “I’m really proud to announce five and a half million dollars as a token of our support because we cannot think of anything but bringing the people of PNG and Australia closer together than a rugby league team here.” Minister Conroy said, there are other teams biding to be the 18th NRL Team but word from the Australian Prime Minister is that he wants to see a Papua New Guinean Team in the NRL by 2025. “As Prime Minister Albanese said, he wants to see the 18th team being of Papua New Guinean identity.” “So there’s other franchise and I respect them, but I want to see a PNG team playing in the NRL to honour the shared history between our 2 countries.”