O'Neill : PNG can host NRL or State of Origin games

PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill has expressed confidence that the new Papuan Rugby League (PRL) sporting facilities may one day host a National Rugby League (NRL) or a State of Origin game.O’Neill was in Canberra on Monday where he held discussions with Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott on the Manus detention centre, development support, Australian Federal Police program, National Youth Service and rugby league.

The Prime Minister said he also discussed sporting engagement between the two countries with his counterpart, in particular the progress of the SP PNG Hunters in the Queensland Cup competition and plans for expansion.

"Prime Minister Abbott and I are keen followers of rugby league and sport generally through both Australia and Papua New Guinea," O’Neill said on his return.

"Hopefully one day with the improved PRL facilities in Port Moresby we might host an NRL game or even the QLD Maroons and New South Wales Blues State of Origin game. That will be memorable for Papua New Guinea," he added.

"We will look to convince rugby league officials that Papua New Guinea is a destination to host such an event," O’Neill said.

He said this while construction work is progressing at the PRL ground and facilities which are funded under the Oil Search tax credit scheme.


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