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New stadium needed to boost NRL bid
By MICHAEL BOEONCDC Media Unit A NEW international standard stadium is the best option that the bid team will endeavor to fulfill as they start the tough challenge to field a Papua New Guinea side in Australian National Rugby League competition. National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop, a member of the Bid team, says plans are already underway to build the facility when the bid is successful. He said the proposed new international stadium would cost the PNG Government more than K100 million. However, availability of land will determine if that’s the way to go otherwise developments on existing facilities would be the next best option. Parkop said developing existing stadium like the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium at Konedobu, Sir John Guise and the controversial Kone Tigers Rugby League Oval would need a major overhaul in order to meet acceptable international standards. Lloyd Robson Oval, the best rugby league facility in PNG unfortunately does not fall into the bid team’s plans because there wasn’t enough room for any expansion moves. “If the bid is successful I prefer to build a new stadium but it all depends on the availability of land,” Governor Parkop said. “It has to be an international standard stadium if we want to field a team in NRL, we must have that capacity so than it can give a positive image to our country.” Parkop believes another suitable site the Telikom land near Jack Pidik Park which is located in the central part of the city has ample space that would seemingly be the ideal place to build an international stadium. Parkop said he accepted the invitation to be on the Bid team because of the positive image sports can give to a city or country. The Bid team, which has already been allocated K500, 000 from the Governments 2009 Budget, was announced last week. The National Executive Council (NEC) has established the ‘Bid Team’ headed by Nipa-Kutubu MP Philemon Embel, NCD Governor Powes Parkop, Chairman of Gold Coast Titans Paul Broughton, former PNGRFL president Ben Sabumei and Queensland Maroon Coach Mal Meninga. “I know that the challenge ahead is not easy but I am confident that with our collective effort and that other stakeholders, both here in PNG and elsewhere this dream can become real sooner. “I commend the National Executive Council (NEC) for its decision to pursue such a bid because I know the entry of PNG team in the tough NRL competition will reap enormous benefit for our people as whole and not just rugby league fraternity.” Governor Parkop said. |
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