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Six possible targets for Papua New Guinea's new NRL team
Jasper Bruce, AAP • December 12th, 2024 9:00 am
Photo: AAP
Papua New Guinea calls rugby league their national sport - and come 2028, the Pacific Island nation is set to have a team enter the NRL.
With Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expected to hold a press conference Thursday to confirm PNG's NRL license, which players should the new club target?
Here are six players worth taking a look at that will be off contract after the 2027 season:
Stephen Crichton (centre, Canterbury)
The best centre in the NRL has proven this season that he brings more than just a turn of speed, athleticism and excellent defensive reads. In his first season as Bulldogs captain, Crichton has been the most important player in turning the club's culture around - and it needed a lot of work. He'll keep eyeballs on screens with his famous ability to produce clutch plays, and is the type of signing that will motivate others to consider making a move of their own.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (fullback, The Dolphins)
Speaking of keeping eyeballs on screens, Tabuai-Fidow is one of the NRL's great attacking livewires with a highlights reel to rival anyone. Like Crichton, he's an excellent culture signing as well, the type of guy others want to be around. He's already shown signing on with the Dolphins that he's up to the task of helping build a franchise from the ground up. From his runaway tries to the iconic fin celebration, no player has resonated with new Dolphins fans more than 'The Hammer'.
Briton Nikora (second row, Cronulla)
The Dolphins have shown in their first two campaigns that a veteran presence in the forward pack is essential for the early success of an expansion team, and Nikora will tick plenty of boxes by the time 2028 rolls around. He's the prototype of the modern edge forward - lightweight but a menacing ball-runner with silky hands. Nikora would be 30 by the time the PNG team enters the competition but has had a relatively injury-free career so with any luck will still have plenty of good years in front of him.
Photo: AAP
Spencer Leniu (prop, Sydney Roosters)
Leniu turns 27 in 2027 so will be reaching his physical peak by the time PNG enters the competition, and he's already the NRL's best impact forward. He'll also have spent almost a decade playing in two of the NRL's most enduringly successful systems - Penrith and the Sydney Roosters - and should be ready to lead a forward pack the way former teammates James Fisher-Harris and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves have. And imagine how his carries from the kick-off would fire up a heaving Port Moresby crowd.
Trey Mooney (prop, Canberra)
The Kiwi forward's star is set to rise across the next three seasons and could be a bargain buy if PNG are granted dispensation to negotiate with rival players earlier than usual. Configuring the roster will be a delicate balancing act for PNG, and the more players they can sign on middle-tier salaries, the better. He's rated a future leader at the Raiders, but is still yet to firm as an on-field mainstay. PNG could be his chance to take his career to new heights, and wouldn't he make a formidable co-pilot for Leniu.
Nathan Cleary (halfback, Penrith)
I mean, why not try, right? The halfback is the best player in the game right now and with any luck could have added to his four premiership by the time the PNG side makes its debut. Cleary will be 30 then and would certainly need to be paid more than his current $1.2 million salary to relocate to Port Moresby. Interestingly enough, though, his partner Mary Fowler has PNG heritage and the halfback has spoken openly about his interest in moving overseas at some point in his career.
Joel And Fletch Debate If A PNG Team Will Be Successful And Safe
