Hull KR Forge Groundbreaking Partnership with Papua New Guinean Club Port Moresby Vipers
In a significant move for rugby league, Hull KR have announced a groundbreaking partnership with Papua New Guinean outfit Port Moresby Vipers. The partnership will see two juniors from the Vipers join the Robins’ academy each year, with the aim of eventually pushing for a spot in the Hull KR first-team at Craven Park.
This innovative agreement, described by KR as “exciting” and “with huge potential,” will allow any PNG players who make it into the senior set-up in East Hull to be classed as “federation-trained.” This means they will not take up a quota spot, similar to the arrangement Leigh Leopards have with Kumuls international Lachlan Lam.
The partnership strengthens the connection between Super League and rugby league in Papua New Guinea, with nine Kumuls internationals currently involved in the top flight this year. PNG native Adrian Lam is also the head coach of the Leigh Leopards.
“This is a very significant partnership for both Hull KR and Papua New Guinea’s domestic game that has been months in planning. Papua New Guinea is the only country in the world whose primary sport is rugby league, and we’ll put the time and attention into this partnership to ensure we give it the best possible chance of success.” – Paul Lakin, Hull KR Chief Executive
The Vipers, who are the flagship club in PNG’s capital Port Moresby, have won the country’s National Cup on four occasions, with hopes of taking a spot in the New South Wales Cup alongside the NRL’s second-grade sides. There has also been ongoing discussion about a side from PNG entering the NRL itself.
With a focus on developing young talent, the partnership will see two Vipers juniors link up with Hull KR’s under-18s in the coming months, provided with comprehensive education and welfare support to aid their personal development and integration.
Exciting Pathway for PNG Talents
“We as a club have a great history with PNG rugby league, and this will allow that affinity to continue for years to come. Players from PNG are traditionally very tough and uncompromising, and I am looking forward to helping develop their skillset, embedding them into our culture and hopefully seeing them become future Hull KR players.” – Jason Netherton, Hull KR Head of Academy
This groundbreaking agreement between Hull KR and Port Moresby Vipers is set to open up a remarkable pathway for young Papua New Guinean rugby league talents, providing them with the opportunity to train and develop in a Tier 1 competition, while also furthering their education in the UK. It is a partnership that promises to have a lasting impact on the growth of the sport in the region.
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