VETERAN former England and Great Britain coach Wayne Bennett could lead a Papua New Guinea team into the NRLafter a stint back at South Sydney Rabbitohs, where it's believed he has agreed in principle a coaching contract from 2025-27.
Peter V'landys, the supremo of the Australian game, is reportedly planning to grant two more top-flight passes, so making the NRL 19-strong by 2030.
As well as a side from PNG, who have had the Hunters in the second-tier Queensland Cup since 2014, V'landys is said to be impressed by a proposed Perth-North Sydney Bears joint venture.