Fitler: Future looks bright

Junior Kumuls players in a post-try celebration during the PMs 13 fixture yesterday (Image: NRL)

The future of rugby league is looking bright as Papua New Guinea works towards establishing robust pathways for emerging talents.

PNG is in the final phase of its bidding process to enter NRL and Australian rugby league legend Brad Fitler said improved results by Junior Orchids and Kumuls in the Prime Ministers XIII, was a sign of a shining future.

"Looking at the school kids and the way they played, I thought that was a great sign," Fitler said when responding to questions by NBC News.

"I know some of the people were involved in the pathway. So, I have a lot of confidence in them.
"So, I think the game is in great hands."

The Orchids Academy side narrowly lost 4-14 to Australian school girls' while Junior Kumuls survived a late fight-back from Australia for a 22-22 stalemate in the 2024 Prime Minister's XIII fixtures.

Junior Kumuls team coached by Joe Grima, led 22-6 nearing fulltime but quick succession by the visitors almost caused an upset yesterday.

Grima, who is the Pathways director for Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League expressed satisfaction with the results.

He said PNG is on path to becoming a NRL franchise and such outcomes was a moral boost for the bid, highlighting the importance of junior development systems.