PNG Rugby League star Wellington Albert could play first Grade in the NRL

Penrith bound Albert Wellington 

EMERGING Papua New Guinea rugby league star Wellington Albert can be called up to play in NRL club Penrith Panthers’ top grade this year.

Albert’s two-year contract links him to the Panthers’ Holden Cup team for 2014 but the Southern Highlander can be thrust into the world’s toughest competition sooner if coach Ivan Cleary believes he can make the gigantic step up earlier.

PNG Rugby Football League CEO Brad Tassell, well-versed with the contractual details of Albert’s engagement, made this clarification yesterday.

“He (Albert) has every chance (of playing top grade),” Tassell said.

However, Albert’s development would be gradual as with most NRL clubs – where they kept youngsters in the Holden Cup and other “nurseries” before ushering them to top grade football when they were ready for the step up in class.

Tassell declined to disclose monetary details of Albert’s contract – that it was a confidential matter between the player and Panthers, but his earnings could increase if he gets a call-up to play top grade football. 

Albert boards a plane for Australia today to honor his two-year contract which guarantees him a spot in Penrith’s 25-member squad in 2015.

Tassell explained that Albert had signed an attractive contract because of the great consultations between all who were involved.

He made particular mention of player agent Steve Deacon, a “must have” person in such negotiations as they were well-versed with dealing with NRL clubs. 

“Players must have a player agent…they protect players’ interest,” Tassell said.

“Wellington is a perfect example. We placed him with a reliable player manager who advised him, his family and us through the entire process.

“We then advised him on what we believed was best for his career and when he secured his contract the PNGRFL then applied for his visa to enable him to take up his contract.” 

Tassell said they could do that for other PNG players if they approached him. 

He said PNGRFL now had a structure in place to deal with processing of visas.

 “We have worked very closely with Australian Immigration and understand thoroughly what is required depending upon the situation of our players and this comes from experience and consultation.

“I have read with interest various media reports on players having trouble obtaining visas.

“However if they contact the PNGRFL in the first instance and notify us then we can advise them on the correct procedures required and assist in that process.”

Tassell said there was another PNG player, whom he declined to name, who was being considered for an NRL contract.

PNG Today/The National