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3 months ago
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Australian swimming champion Leisel Jones has voiced strong opposition to the idea of establishing an NRL team in Papua New Guinea, predicting it will be 'an embarrassment to the country'.
Jones, who won nine Olympic medals across her career, recently spent three days in PNG, where she gathered local insights.
The proposal, backed by a $600million deal between the NRL and the Australian government, aims to announce the 18th franchise this July.
The funding is intended to support the PNG franchise over 10 years, starting as early as 2027.
This initiative is seen as a way to strengthen international relations and counter China's influence in the Pacific.
Minister for the Pacific Pat Conroy discussed the proposal with NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo and Australian Rugby League Commission chair Peter V'landys in May during Magic Round.
Leisel Jones (pictured), now the Athletics Australia athlete wellbeing and engagement coordinator, recently visited Port Moresby and gauged local opinion on getting an NRL team
While locals are fanatical about their national sport of rugby league (pictured), Jones said PNG residents would feel embarrassed if they got their own first-grade team
The PNG franchise is being heavily considered after the PNG Hunters successfully joined the Queensland Cup, while the Kumuls national side (pictured playing Fiji in 2022) have been Rugby League World Cup regulars
Jones, however, is very skeptical about the plan after her recent visit.
'I just returned from Port Moresby yesterday, I had a three-day trip to PNG, and I've been hearing a lot about the NRL team that they're setting up,' she said on The Rush Hour with Leisel Jones, Liam & Dobbo.
'From what I heard on the ground and speaking to a lot of people in PNG, I don't think they want an NRL team there.
'I was of the opinion that it would be a great way for us to build a relationship with PNG and that it was going to be a great result. I don't think that's the case.'
Jones criticised the Australian government's approach and questioned the rapid pace the expansion project was moving at.
'I've been hearing a lot that it's lip service, that it was a lot of the Australian government just very quickly, just off the cuff deciding that they want to have this team for safety reasons for Australia, but really didn't think it through,' she said.
'There's a lot of stats in PNG that, 80 per cent unemployment rates [in rural areas], that's the big issue.
'Children are going through to school and ending at year six, that is their education level ... an NRL team might be an embarrassment to the country.'
'The Australian Government is funding $600million, putting into PNG, yes, it buys us safety, sure. But the people of PNG, I don't think they want this NRL team because I don't think they're going to be proud of the result.'
Jones (pictured at a radio awards ceremony) believes Papua New Guineans 'won't be proud' of an NRL team if the plans are made reality
Australian Rugby League Commission chair Peter V'landys is working hard with the Australian Government to make the PNG side a reality
The government want the PNG franchise to be approved in a move to stave off Chinese inroads into the Pacific region
The NRL's plans have been further complicated by financial demands from existing clubs.
Clubs have asked for a $170million incentive to back the bid, with each club potentially receiving a $3.5million lump sum.
Additionally, club bosses are seeking an extra $2million for five seasons starting from 2028.
V'landys clarified that no formal agreement has been made with the federal government regarding the expansion.
Besides PNG, Perth, New Zealand, and Brisbane are also under consideration for the new franchise.
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