After learning that they had been put in the “Group Of Death” the PNGRL has blasted the IRLF for not consulting them, or anyone else when it comes to the World Cup format and draw.
There has even been talk about withdrawing completely from the World Cup and setting up their own competition with Pacific Islands nations that do not eventually qualify for the competition to be held at the end of 2008.
This is sad news on a number of fronts.
First, for such a valued member of the Rugby League community to consider pulling out of such a vital World Cup competition is terrible for the game. To get such a reaction out of the only nation where Rugby League is the national sport means a lot.
Then the fact that the World Cup format and draw was set up without any talks with one of the few full time member nations of the IRLF is astounding.
I have said for some time now that the IRLF is a joke. It is little more than the RFL, NZRL and ARL holding talks, and then the ARL sending out press releases on IRLF letter head.
I think its time we had an independent IRLF set up in a similar style to the NRL. We need an administrator, not a political, agenda driven governing body.
Lets hope PNG takes part in 2008.
