LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Justin Olam, Papua New Guinea's rugby league darling, is cautiously optimistic about the NRL's bold move to expand into his homeland.
Excited about the potential a team based in Port Moresby will bring when it enters the league in 2028, Olam is well aware of the hurdles ahead.
"The challenge is that PNG has never been represented in the NRL," Olam remarked in an interview with the esteemed SMH.
"It's important to have a strong talent pool to choose from.
That's the key issue.
And then, of course, it's crucial to ensure that the team is managed independently and not influenced by politics.
It should be solely about promoting Papua New Guinea rugby league for the greater good of the sport."
For Olam, the recipe for success in this venture lies in both cultivating a sustainable talent pipeline and keeping politics at bay in the administration.
This seasoned player understands that creating a winning NRL team from PNG will require dedication, hard work, and a touch of cunning strategy.
But with his passion for the sport and determination to see his country succeed on the global rugby league stage, Olam is ready to tackle this challenge head-on.