The announcement late last year for PNG to have the 18th NRL team has brought a lot of speculation on social media and among citizens about possible NRL players joining the team. During the launch of the PNG NRL team naming competition yesterday, PNG NRL Bid CEO Andrew Hill welcomed the speculation about possible players who will be playing for the team. “The speculation around players is always going to be there, and we welcome that.” “One of the great things about rugby league is everyone has an opinion, and we welcome it, we acknowledge it, and we play the game off the field just like the game is played on the field,” Said Mr Hill. Mr. Hill also clarified that a recent article was just speculation. The article suggested that Alex Johnston, a Papua New Guinean International who plays for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, has a clause in his contract that allows him to come to PNG whenever he wishes. “What I can assure you is that if it doesn’t come from the board or if it doesn’t come from my email address, please don’t believe it. Wait until you hear from us, and when we’re ready to tell you news, we will most certainly tell you in a very formal way.” He went on to wish Alex Johnston the best of luck in the coming weeks, as he is set to become the leading try-scorer in the history of the NRL. Yesterday, the PNG NRL team naming competition was launched by Prime Minister James Marape and Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Mr. Ewen McDonald. The competition gives everyone the opportunity to name the PNG NRL team.