Preparations for Papua New Guinea's entry into the National Rugby League in 2028 have received a significant boost, with former Australian rugby legend Cameron Smith visiting the country to attend a historic dinner celebrating the arrival of the new NRL franchise in Port Moresby. Smith, whose decorated career included over 400 NRL games for the Melbourne Storm, in addition to 42 State of Origin matches and 56 Tests for Australia, will spend part of his trip meeting with rugby league officials to offer advice on best practice preparations as the nation gears up for 2028. The idea for the visit came from PNG NRL Bid CEO Andrew Hill, who is looking to bring the very best in rugby league expertise to Papua New Guinea to help create a world’s best franchise. Smith’s visit follows hot on the heels of Panthers’ CEO Matthew Cameron, who visited Port Moresby in recent weeks to offer advice on the creation of a High-Performance Centre that will be based on the state-of-the-art facility that the Panthers built in Penrith. Cameron met with the Prime Minister James Marape along with leading PNG officials during his time in Port Moresby to offer advice on creating the world’s best practice across all areas of a rugby league club. One of the highlights of Smith’s visit will be a special event held in Port Moresby to celebrate the NRL team being based in the city. Prime Minister James Marape will provide the keynote address at the dinner, which will also be attended by PNGRL CEO Stanley Hondina, NRL Bid Chairman Wapu Sonk and NRL Bid CEO Andrew Hill. Hill was delighted to be able to call on Smith’s support at such an important time: “When you are looking to create a world class franchise in any sport you need to be able to seek advice from the best rugby league brains in the game.” “We were recently able to host Panthers CEO Matthew Cameron here in Port Moresby and he was tremendous in terms of offering advice in a number of areas that are crucial when it comes to creating a top-class club, both on and off the field.” “In particular, it was great to be able to seek Matt’s advice on building our state-of-the-art High-Performance Centre, as it will be one of the major projects that we are about to embark upon, alongside the NRL Village that will serve as home to our players and their families come 2028. It is important that we leave no stone unturned in making sure that we create the best possible environment to allow our players to succeed.” Cameron Smith was also excited about what the future held for rugby league in PNG: “Every experience I have ever had with rugby league and PNG has been a good one, so when Hilly invited me to come over to be part of such an important celebration I jumped at the chance.” “I have seen first-hand what the game of rugby league has done for the people of Queensland and how it brings our community together.” “The game unites everyone and inspires the next generation, and I know that will happen here in PNG,” said Smith.