PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill thanks Phil Gould for Rugby League support in PNG

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill has thanked  Penrith Panthers General Manager Phil Gould for his support in Rugby League development in Papua New Guinea. In his official keynote address during the official opening of the National Stadium, Mr. O'Neill was thankful for NRL club Penrith Panthers and their General Manager Phil Gould for their support in rugby league in his country.    "I would like to thank Penrith, particularly  Phil Gould for supporting rugby league development in our country" said O'Neill. He thanked the Penrith Panthers for accepting their invitation to play the Hunters at the new stadium. 

Phil Gould had visited Papua New Guinea in several occasions to scout PNG local rugby league players. As a result  the Penrith Panthers through him  have recently recruited Papua New Guinea players in the like of Albert brothers (Wellington Albert and Starton Albert). Another Papua New Guinean born rugby league player James Segeyaro plays for the Panthers in the NRL. 

  Penrith Panthers is the first ever club in Australia to reach out and offer PNG rugby league players the opportunity to have a shot in the NRL Competition.

There are also hopes of creating a pathway for the PNG junior players, for a long term partnership and joint memberships.

This partnership is also a learning experience from the club’s governance and management structures. 

And, therefore the junior development programs which PNGRFL believes will add value to rugby league in the country.