Papua New Guinea is a developing country located towards the northern tip of Australia. It is the largest island nation within the Pacific with an estimated population of close to 8 million people.

Whilst the country has progressed since gaining independence in 1975, it still faces numerous problems due to the lack of foresight shown by its elected leaders, widespread corruption and failing public services.

Papua New Guinea sees close to 80,000 young people miss out on furthering their education from Primary through to Tertiary level annually due to a lack of infrastructure. Whilst over 70% of its population live in rural centers majority of its health services are urban-centered thus people continue to die from curable illnesses such as malaria and the common cold. Law and Justice issues are rampant due to a poorly funded police force! The country is plagued with issues.

Even with such a stark reality the PNG Government sees fit to bid for a rugby team within the Australian NRL competition and is said to be willing to spend K30million (roughly Aus$10million) over a three year period to make this a reality. For Papua New Guineans who love rugby this seems like a great idea, but for those whom know that the money is better spent elsewhere it is a slap in the face of the people.

The people of PNG do not need an NRL team, their money and the efforts of their government is best suited within the country. Fix the hospitals, educate the people and build the roads before wasting much needed funds on an unnecessary exercise.