Rugby League superstar, Cameron Smith has backed Papua New Guinea to make a successful transition into the NRL after visiting the country to attend a celebration event acknowledging the NRL’s newest franchise calling PNG home. While in the country, Smith has been meeting with the government and PNG Rugby League officials to offer support and advice on creating a world-leading franchise that can sustain the development of the game for years to come. Smith was impressed with the planning and structures that were being put in place for entry into the National Rugby League in 2028. “To be a successful rugby league club you need to build from the bottom upwards and have the right structures in place at all levels.” “That means creating a pathways system to maximise the potential of your playing depth, as well as creating great relationships with government, sponsors and the community so everyone is aligned with the same goals.” “You have tremendous support for the game in this country starting with your Prime Minister James Marape, who has been a game-changer in terms of working with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to make the dream of joining the NRL a reality.” “The love and passion for the game is obvious. Now with the support of Wapu Sonk, Andrew Hill and Stanley Hondina you have the right people who can put all the building blocks in place for success.” He further expressed that the key to any great club is the people within it and that everyone is focussed on doing things the right way. “If the opportunity arises, I am keen to help in any way I can as I’m really excited for the future of the game here and how it will unite and inspire the people of PNG.” Moreover, NRL Bid Chairman, Wapu Sonk, was grateful to have Smith’s input into planning for 2028 stating that having someone with an experience like Cameron Smith, who has been a major part of some of the most successful teams of all time, offer advice on how to create a successful rugby league club, it is important to listen. “Cameron was a superstar of the game and someone who set new standards for hard work and professionalism.” “We are extremely grateful that he has been able to visit our country and to see first-hand the plans we have in place to make sure that we leave no stone unturned in creating the right environment for success.” “We have had some great conversations about what we need to do over the next three years to make sure that we hit the ground running in 2028, and then to have sustained success over a long period." “We look forward to continuing our conversations with Cameron in the coming months.” Meanwhile, NRL Bid Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Hill, was also delighted that Smith had been able to witness first-hand the excitement that the people of PNG had for what was to come in 2028. “It is a real eye-opener to come to PNG and actually experience the excitement that everyone has for becoming part of the NRL.” “Cam has been there and done it at every level of the game.” “He has led hugely successful teams, played under some of the greatest coaches and understands what it takes to create a successful club environment.” “Most importantly, he knows what sustained excellence looks like.” “All of our planning at the moment, is based on making sure that we put in place the best of everything." He further stated that on and off the field, he wants PNG to be a world leader in standards and to be the preferred destination for players throughout the world. “With the support of people like Cameron Smith we are confident that we are on the right path."