Gould Backs Papua New Guinea NRL Bid

Australian rugby league legend Phil Gould told a top-level Port Moresby business and media breakfast this morning that the promise of developing better school education through sport is the Papua New Guineaâs National Rugby League License Bid's strongest asset.

The former NSW State of Origin coach, Footy Show regular and commentator touched down in Port Moresby on Monday for a hectic two days of meetings and facility inspections with government officials, the Bid team and sponsors.

Gould explained, "I think the thing that motivates me at the moment is that the (PNG) Government of the day sees rugby league as an opportunity to communicate and relate to the youth of this country - to keep them in school, to get them educated and get the skill levels up in this nation.

"Once education improves it's a snowball effect.

"Through rugby league the government is looking at generational change and that's the message that you need to be getting out there - that rugby league can be a major tool in the development of kids and your nation."

Gould is visiting PNG at the request of Gold Coast-based Bid advisor and friend Paul Broughton.

He went on to state "it's going to take a lot of work, but the PNG NRL Bid is going to be very compelling once people back in Australia understand exactly what it is all about and what its potential could be."

Gould said he is alert to international expansion opportunities for the game, adding "the thing that interests me greatly about this Bid is that it ties together the Pacific islands and the Pacific nations.

"Potentially I think it's great that the game can go further internationally and PNG could offer a stepping stone.

"The message that I would be selling is that this is a very passionate rugby league country and that canât be denied."

Gould, who enjoyed a star like welcome wherever he has stepped out in Port Moresby, told his breakfast audience he was stunned to discover how recognised he is in the country.

He concluded "I can walk around the streets of Melbourne for five days and half a dozen people might recognise me.

"Everyone seems to know me up here and wants to shake my hand."

High-level meetings and television and radio interviews will keep Gould busy for the rest of the day before he takes on guest of honour status at an official dinner at Parliament House.

27th October 2008 - RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP KICKS OFF