The establishment of a Papua New Guinea (PNG) team in the National Rugby League (NRL) has garnered international support, bolstered by the upcoming debut of Cooper Bai, the teenage son of Marcus Bai, a celebrated former rugby player. Marcus Bai, known for winning the NRL premiership with the Storm in 1999 and now a director of the new PNG franchise, expressed pride and excitement as his son makes his debut with the Gold Coast Titans against the Wests Tigers. The father-son duo shared an emotional moment over Cooper’s selection, which promises to inspire young PNG athletes.
Cooper Bai is touted as a candidate for an end-of-season call-up to the PNG national team, the Kumuls. This aligns with the historic sponsorship deal with Visa, marking a first for PNG sports in partnering with a global brand. Visa’s backing serves as a pivotal endorsement of rugby league’s growth within PNG, underlining the nation’s passion for the sport and its potential as an investment destination. The sponsorship will see the Kumuls donning the Visa logo in upcoming competitions, significantly elevating the nation’s profile on an international stage.
This development is celebrated as a testament to PNG’s burgeoning presence in the NRL, with the team expected to officially join the league in 2028. Visa’s support is regarded not just as a commercial partnership, but as a commitment to the future of PNG and its vibrant rugby league culture. PNGRFL chairman Sandis Tsaka emphasized rugby league’s role as a means of social cohesion and national unity in PNG.
Cooper Bai’s selection and the partnership with Visa emphasize the potential for rugby league to transform and unite communities in Papua New Guinea. The thrust is on building from grassroots to elite levels, embodying the vision of a “Better People, Better Sport, Better Nation.” This includes securing world-class investment and creating opportunities to showcase PNG’s talent and passion.
The selection of Cooper Bai and his potential involvement in future major competitions heralds an exciting era for rugby league enthusiasts in PNG and beyond. The development reinforces the sport’s importance as a medium for fostering national pride, social cohesion, and international recognition for PNG.
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