PNG Sports Minister Welcomes 2017 Rugby League World Cup Draw

Sports Minister Hon Justin Tkatchenko has welcomed the announcement of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup Draw.

Hon Tkatchenko particularly expressed his gratitude to the Australia and New Zealand Rugby League and Organising Committee for their faith in ensuring joint hosting for Papua New Guinea.

" Let me clearly state here that there is no way whatsoever that this event could have come to Papua New Guinea without the infrastructure that we now have, and the backing and assurance from this Government.

Three to Four years ago hosting any event of such a magnitude was totally impossible and the commitment of this Government to build world class sports infrastructure and grow sports to another level was ultimately the assurance that World Rugby League needed.

We are a Rugby League mad nation, and our visitors from the United States and Europe will see for themselves come 2017.

This is not only a Rugby League event, but an opportunity to showcase our country to the world. Our visitors will be our responsibility, and it will be upon us to ensure that they leave our shores as ambassadors for our growing nation.

Hon Tkatchenko was particularly impressed that the PNG Kumuls draw would see them play United States and two European teams on homesoil. "It is a blessing for our country to have teams from the most dominant continents in the world, America and Europe playing here in Port Moresby. Not many people know where Papua New Guinea is, and who we are. This is our opportunity.

I thank the O'Neill/Dion Government for the bold decision initially to commit to sports and I commend the work of Sandis Tsaka and his executive so far."

Press Statement