PNG Team Inclusion

[hank37w]

We will help them by providing them with a circus, calmed down the early Roman population.

 

[watersider]

I actually really like the move. I'd prefer Adelaide or a second NZ team because there just seems better economic opportunities in those options, but I can't wait to see the PNG team actually play at home against an NRL side. Everyone is critical over the crime rate and logistical problems. Maybe they'll figure out a viable solution to this. Maybe not and it will be a massive news worthy fascination. Either way, what entertainment for us fans.

I also think fear about attracting players is overhyped. I bet if there's a little financial incentive and opportunity above other NRL clubs there will be no difficulty attracting young players to the club. Similarly, older experienced players looking for a decent contract will also have incentive to go. You're probably not getting to tier talent at peak age going there, but then again, I could see the opportunity being enticing to some, particularly those with ties to the Pacific and PNG in particular.

If it also helps PNG and gets us better connected to them then that's also a positive.

How successful it all is? Well, no one here is going to confidently declare that we'll finish ahead of them after what we saw from the expansion club Dolphins, who many felt would at least ensure we didn't finish last.

10 million people, huge passion for the game and a near neighbour. I like it more than the trashy sugar hit American sideshow. I will watch their games with great fascination (particularly their home matches, has their ever been greater home field advantage?) and I'll be keen to see them succeed and there should be big support for them across PNG Australians as well as the pacific Islander community. It ties us to that region in a big way.

I don't like the huge government dollars going towards it, I agree with others that there's huge economic issues here and this looks like a splurge, but I suppose the idea doesn't happen without the investment. If after 5 years it all falls apart, it's not like that hasn't happened to other clubs in recent history based on ill considered expansions of the past.

But I like it as an NRL fan just because it will be really interesting to see their games. Which of you isn't going to make sure they watch their first home game?

 

[tiger_one]

These upcoming expansion teams will only add to the pressure of maintaining a competitive roster.
In our case, as a development club, even more so.

I am really glad we have Richo on our side.
Been there, done that - and strong by conviction as a leader.

I will be interested as to our rosters for 2025, NRL, and the to-be-revamped KOE NSW Cup squad.
And that leads to the seasons to follow.

And included are also the coaching requirements, NRL down to pathways.

Interesting times ahead.

 

[gallagher]

These upcoming expansion teams will only add to the pressure of maintaining a competitive roster.
In our case, as a development club, even more so.

I am really glad we have Richo on our side.
Been there, done that - and strong by conviction as a leader.

I will be interested as to our rosters for 2025, NRL, and the to-be-revamped KOE NSW Cup squad.
And that leads to the seasons to follow.

And included are also the coaching requirements, NRL down to pathways.

Interesting times ahead.

I fear we may have got Richo 3 or 4 years too late.
There's some talk that team 18 might be able to sign players from Nov1 this year.

 

[jirskyr]

Just to point out some numbers:

• Australia already averages some $500M aid and development assistance to PNG each year
• Australia's bilateral trade with PNG is valued at $5B per year
• Australian investments in PNG are already valued at approx $30B
• The total foreign aid budget in 23-24 was $4.7B

We can pull out the tired old "what about cost of living" or "hospitals need more money", but the point is that cost of living is a personal not federal issue and hospitals always need and waste money, it's not so simple as just dumping truckloads of cash into the Health system.

What I will say is that governments do not spend money on foreign investment for a laugh - there is always an expected kickback. It's the same reason the state governments spend so much money subsidising investment (like movie studios) and major events, because the economy eventually gets a better return on the money spent.

As a nation we've spent a lot of time and money trying to both forge closer ties with PNG and bring them to a standard of living and security that we deem acceptable. As the wealthiest nation in the region we also owe it morally to our neighbours to help raise their own standards. Investment in PNG sport is just one of many strategies that can be undertaken to help. You can't just waive it away because there is localised corruption or other issues, otherwise you could never hope to raise the standards for any third-world country ever. India, for example, is corrupt as all get-up but they are also gradually improving the lives of their citizens.

And you can make light all you want, but if the day ever comes of direct conflict with China, every dollar spend on shoring-up PNG as a bulwark will be a dollar well spent. Let us not ever forget that less than 100 years ago PNG defended Australia from Japanese incursion.

I ultimately leave the decision up to the government.

 

[Glenji95]

I fear we may have got Richo 3 or 4 years too late.
There's some talk that team 18 might be able to sign players from Nov1 this year.

The Dolphins came in when they got the new tv deal which started in 2023, the current one doesn’t end until 2027. I don’t think a new team will come in until at least the final year of it at best. I don’t see a new team until 2027 at the earliest I’ll be surprised if it’s before then.

 

[cochise]

The Dolphins came in when they got the new tv deal which started in 2023, the current one doesn’t end until 2027. I don’t think a new team will come in until at least the final year of it at best. I don’t see a new team until 2027 at the earliest I’ll be surprised if it’s before then.

I believe it will be 2027 for the bear and 2028 for PNG.

Though if you are doing it right you give them 2 signing cycles to sign players for their first season, so you need them to be allowed to sign players from Nov 1 this year.

 

[Glenji95]

I believe it will be 2027 for the bear and 2028 for PNG.

Though if you are doing it right you give them 2 signing cycles to sign players for their first season, so you need them to be allowed to sign players from Nov 1 this year.

I am mixed on that one in giving them 2 seasons to try and fill their roster. Dolphins still managed to get a semi decent roster in one season of recruiting. Did the Titans get two years of being able to recruit players for them in 2007? I don’t remember if they did or not maybe you might remember. I understand why you think they should get 2 years as they’ll be some big names available come Nov 1 both years but I don’t think a club will sign a player for 26 knowing they’re joining the Bears in 27 unless they were absolutely desperate and I don’t think the Bears would want any player they recruit in 2025 potentially sitting on the sidelines for a year not keeping their match fitness up since a club might not be willing to take them on a one year deal. In 26 they don’t have that issue but I don’t think the NRL will give them two seasons to land players.

 

[TurnStyle]

Just to point out some numbers:

• Australia already averages some $500M aid and development assistance to PNG each year
• Australia's bilateral trade with PNG is valued at $5B per year
• Australian investments in PNG are already valued at approx $30B
• The total foreign aid budget in 23-24 was $4.7B

We can pull out the tired old "what about cost of living" or "hospitals need more money", but the point is that cost of living is a personal not federal issue and hospitals always need and waste money, it's not so simple as just dumping truckloads of cash into the Health system.

What I will say is that governments do not spend money on foreign investment for a laugh - there is always an expected kickback. It's the same reason the state governments spend so much money subsidising investment (like movie studios) and major events, because the economy eventually gets a better return on the money spent.

As a nation we've spent a lot of time and money trying to both forge closer ties with PNG and bring them to a standard of living and security that we deem acceptable. As the wealthiest nation in the region we also owe it morally to our neighbours to help raise their own standards. Investment in PNG sport is just one of many strategies that can be undertaken to help. You can't just waive it away because there is localised corruption or other issues, otherwise you could never hope to raise the standards for any third-world country ever. India, for example, is corrupt as all get-up but they are also gradually improving the lives of their citizens.

And you can make light all you want, but if the day ever comes of direct conflict with China, every dollar spend on shoring-up PNG as a bulwark will be a dollar well spent. Let us not ever forget that less than 100 years ago PNG defended Australia from Japanese incursion.

I ultimately leave the decision up to the government.

Awesome post @jirskyr

 

[gallagher]

The Dolphins came in when they got the new tv deal which started in 2023, the current one doesn’t end until 2027. I don’t think a new team will come in until at least the final year of it at best. I don’t see a new team until 2027 at the earliest I’ll be surprised if it’s before then.

Yeah, I havn't heard before 27 mentioned anywhere.

 

[cochise]

I am mixed on that one in giving them 2 seasons to try and fill their roster. Dolphins still managed to get a semi decent roster in one season of recruiting. Did the Titans get two years of being able to recruit players for them in 2007? I don’t remember if they did or not maybe you might remember. I understand why you think they should get 2 years as they’ll be some big names available come Nov 1 both years but I don’t think a club will sign a player for 26 knowing they’re joining the Bears in 27 unless they were absolutely desperate and I don’t think the Bears would want any player they recruit in 2025 potentially sitting on the sidelines for a year not keeping their match fitness up since a club might not be willing to take them on a one year deal. In 26 they don’t have that issue but I don’t think the NRL will give them two seasons to land players.

Any big names they sign will have no problem getting a 12 month contract somewhere else.

It is difficult to get 30 players in one cycle and puts too much pressure on the signing market. You are are setting the new club up for failure and artificially inflating the market.

 

[gallagher]

I believe it will be 2027 for the bear and 2028 for PNG.

Though if you are doing it right you give them 2 signing cycles to sign players for their first season, so you need them to be allowed to sign players from Nov 1 this year.

That's what I've heard is suggested

 

[Telltails]

So much travelling added to the competition with the inclusion of these two teams. Terrible for family life considering most NRL players have got kids at a young age. I think it will wear thin with clubs very quickly - apart from putting additional pressure on the lower clubs to compete for players while the top clubs keep cherry picking.

 

[gallagher]

So much travelling added to the competition with the inclusion of these two teams. Terrible for family life considering most NRL players have got kids at a young age. I think it will wear thin with clubs very quickly - apart from putting additional pressure on the lower clubs to compete for players while the top clubs keep cherry picking.

Very bad news for poorly run clubs.

 

[Glenji95]

Any big names they sign will have no problem getting a 12 month contract somewhere else.

It is difficult to get 30 players in one cycle and puts too much pressure on the signing market. You are are setting the new club up for failure and artificially inflating the market.

Some clubs won’t do it given they’ll be losing them after one year. They’ll be some big names struggling to land the year before the Bears join if they are the next team. I don’t think the NRL will approve of two years but it’s still wait and see they haven’t officially announced anything yet.

 

[Lauren]

So much travelling added to the competition with the inclusion of these two teams. Terrible for family life considering most NRL players have got kids at a young age. I think it will wear thin with clubs very quickly - apart from putting additional pressure on the lower clubs to compete for players while the top clubs keep cherry picking.

I don't know how Adrian Lam is going coaching in England, but he would seem a logical choice for their coach. Considering he'd have some connections with Super League players too, this may also be a viable option, in addition to the Q Cup team, to build a roster by 2028.
Lachlan Lamb, the Laybutt brothers and Nene McDonald play for their national side..though I'm not sure how old he is, as he's been around for a while...are a start.

Must say since the announcement I've been wondering if we're potentially heading toward two conferences or a competition similar to how they have in ESL, with relegation.

 

[Lestronge]

I don't know how Adrian Lam is going coaching in England, but he would seem a logical choice for their coach. Considering he'd have some connections with Super League players too, this may also be a viable option, in addition to the Q Cup team, to build a roster by 2028.
Lachlan Lamb, the Laybutt brothers and Nene McDonald play for their national side..though I'm not sure how old he is, as he's been around for a while...are a start.

Must say since the announcement I've been wondering if we're potentially heading toward two conferences or a competition similar to how they have in ESL, with relegation.

He’s going pretty good , had a massive year last year with Leigh who were tipped to not win a game . It’s been brought down to earth more this year , which is fine , but he’s definitely proving he can coach .