PNG launches NRL bid

Papua New Guinea has launched a bid to join the NRL as the competition’s 18th team in the next broadcast cycle, receiving the backing of the country’s prime minister. As the NRL awaits the introduction of the Dolphins as the 17th team next year, Papua New Guinea has put its hand up for the licence of the 18th club. The NRL had previously discussed a second team in New Zealand along with theWarriors, but PNG believed they would be ready to gowith a team from 2025. Rugby league is the national sport in the country.