Papua New Guinea could host future NRL Premiership games following a successful trial match between the Sharks and Bulldogs in Port Moresby.
PNG crowd embrace Bulldogs prop Dylan Napa at the historical trial match held in Port Moresby. Photo: Facebook / PNG Kumuls
Last weekend's game was the first of a three-year agreement between the Federal Government and the NRL to stage one trial per season in the Pacific to support the PacificAus Sports initiative in promoting social inclusion, participation, equality and health and wellbeing.
Players and officials from both teams praised the people and facilities in PNG after spending four days in the country.
Following their match, Bulldogs lock Aiden Tolman said his time in PNG has been one to remember.
"This is my first time in Papua New Guinea, in Port Moresby, and what a couple of days it's been," he said.
"I'll never forget flying in and just seeing the peoples faces when they see rugby league and it's something you don't get in Sydney very often and to be able to come over here and showcase the game like this, the first trial over here for a long time and to see two NRL teams running around, it's a great experience for everybody."
Sharks forward Scott Sorensen thanked the PNG community for the love and support they received.
"All we've been hearing all week is thank you Cronulla and thank you to the Bulldogs but thank you, to the PNG community and all the PNG people for coming out tonight," he said.
"It was an amazing atmosphere and the energy from the first minute to the 80th minute... we've really enjoyed our time here, we've really enjoyed getting out and about and meeting a lof of people, a lot of smiles and we've had a great time."
Cronulla Sharks chairman Dino Mezzatesta told NRL.com he had received several messages asking about the quality of the facilities and the overall experience in Port Moresby, including one from a club which was keen to take a first grade match to the 15,000 seat National Football Stadium, which hosted three games during the 2017 World Cup.
PNG crowd anticipate first NRL trial match at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. Photo: Facebook / PNG Kumuls
"It is up to us to grow the game and look for opportunities so it was wonderful that the Sharks, together with the Bulldogs, took this opportunity in Papua New Guinea and experienced it first-hand," Mezzatesta said.
"From here on I think it is all about continuing to develop and grow that so we would definitely be at the table for any discussions about bringing another trial game here, or even a premiership match.
"I have already had a couple of calls and messages to ask how was it and if there is any interest in taking a game up there we should explore it further."
Bulldogs v Sharks NRL trial match held in Port Moresby. Photo: Facebook / PNG Kumuls
Meanwhile, the Papua New Guinea Hunters defeated the Central Queensland Capras 30-12 in the curtain-raiser on Saturday, in their first match under new coach Matt Church.
The PNG Hunters were too strong for the Central Queensland Capras in their Queensland Cup trial match. Photo: RNZ Pacific/Melvin Levongo