Rugby League World Cup to arrive in country

The Paul Barrière Trophy which serves as the Rugby League World Cup will arrive in the country this afternoon.

Chief Executive Officer of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, Andrew Hill said PNG will be making history hosting three Rugby League World Cup 2017 matches in October and November of this year.

“Unfortunately, the Paul Barrière Trophy got stuck in Sydney and is on its way to Brisbane where I have been assured it will be on the Air Niugini flight arriving this afternoon.

“Rugby league is incredibly important to PNG, but equally PNG is extremely important to rugby league.

“The eyes of the sporting world will be fixed on Port Moresby when the Kumuls take on Wales, Ireland and the USA which will be viewed by millions around the world.

Hill said the World Cup will be an event that stops a nation and will allow the people of PNG to showcase their pride at hosting a global sporting event.

“It will bring communities together like no other event could,” said Hill.

Hill finished by saying that the Paul Barrière Trophy will travel around PNG to as many communities as possible from September 13 to October 11.

Oil Search Executive General Manager Stakeholder Engagement, Gerea Aopi said Oil Search was proud to partner with the Rugby League World Cup 2017.

He said the trophy will be in Port Moresby for a brief visit ahead of the main nationwide Oil Search Trophy Tour in September and October.

“PNG is a proud rugby league nation and the Rugby League World Cup is the most prestigious prize in international rugby league. As a proud PNG company, it made sense for us to partner with the tournament organisers to bring the trophy to PNG.

 “So get ready PNG, the Rugby League World Cup Trophy is coming your way,” said Aopi.

The Rugby League World Cup is the sport’s premier international competition. The first World Cup was first held in 1954.

The 2017 tournament will be the 15th staging of the World Cup. 28 matches will be played across 13 cities in New Zealand, Australia and PNG.

Three matches will be played in PNG at the National Football Stadium: PNG Kumuls vs Wales (October 28, 4:30pm), PNG Kumuls vs Ireland (November 5, 4:00pm) and PNG Kumuls vs USA (November 12, 3:35pm).

 

Author: 
Troy Taule