The PNG Rugby League Board and Management must seriously look into the pathway developments programs in preparation to participating in the Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL) Competition in 2028. This is according to the Governor for Enga Sir Peter Ipatas (pictured). He said this in Minj, Jiwaka Province, last week. Sir Peter said Australia Rugby League has already granted permission for PNG to participate in 2028 in the NRL competition. “This is a welcoming news and a great achievement, but there is a need to improve the pathway development programs in all affiliated leagues and schools for sustainability for long-term growth for PNGRFL,” he said. Sir Peter said there must be enough funding to support all affiliated leagues and also school leagues around the country. He said rugby league has now become the multi-million kina industry in Australia. The governor said Australia Rugby League board and management have provided the opportunity to the Papua New Guinea’s potential players to showcase their talent. “Thus, we must make it our business to grab that opportunity and produce some of the best players so that they can take part in the NRL in 2028,” he said. Sir Peter also said that there is a need to impose suitable policy for franchise to look after players well to ensure there is a strict compliance and financial discipline to restore maturity and professionalism. “The passion and interest of rugby league has grown rapidly and is getting momentum into rugby league industry and the onus now is now on the National Government and Papua New Rugby Football League board and management to address some of the issues to lift the standard of the game here,” he said