In a sign that Papua New Guinea means business when it comes to rugby league, with plans underway to rebuild two stadiums into premier sporting facilities – upgrading them to national stadium status.
The two ovals mentioned in the plans are: the Port Moresby Rugby League football ovals in Boroko, and the run down Sir Hubert Murray Oval in Konedobu.
Both stadiums are now under consideration for development, with the PNG Minister for Sports Justin Tkatchenko said that the intention is to rebuild both stadiums, in order to host international games.
“Rugby league is the national sport where we want to prioritise its facilities, as the current capacity cannot hold more people leaving many disappointed outside,†Tkatchenko said.
The decision behind improving not only the stadiums but the facilities also, is a long-term plan, aimed at improving training needs of athletes.
“We are now talking to Motu Koitabu people for the Sir Hubert Murray stadium to undergo redevelopment,†Tkatchenko said.
The potential redevelopment will see a major spike in the stadium capacity, which would depend on the work that is undertaken, and how big they want the venue to be.
“There is a company who has been operating in the country for over 30 years willing to build the stadium free of charge, but we are negotiating with the Motu Koitabuans to redevelop the place,†Tkatchenko said.