You're listening to the Sports Talk podcast with Dancy Waldegrave from News Talk ZEDB.

You're listening to the Sports Talk podcast with Dancy Waldegrave from News Talk ZEDB.

Well, are going to talk rugby league, rugby league, rugby league now with Papa New Guinea and it's a welcome to CEO of the Warriors, Cameron George. I Cam, how are you?

Well, are going to talk rugby league, rugby league, rugby league now with Papa New Guinea and it's a welcome to CEO of the Warriors, Cameron George. I Cam, how are you?

Oh? Well, thanks yourself.

Oh? Well, thanks yourself.

You know, I'm very very happy coming out to the holiday season. Looking forward to that for sure. A big but not unexpected news coming out of the NRL today, Papua and New Guinea have been given a franchise or a club or a position in the NRL. This was projected, We knew this was going to happen, but now it's been Robert Stamp seal of approvalance. There I suppose your initial reaction to expansion up into Papua New Guinea Cameron.

You know, I'm very very happy coming out to the holiday season. Looking forward to that for sure. A big but not unexpected news coming out of the NRL today, Papua and New Guinea have been given a franchise or a club or a position in the NRL. This was projected, We knew this was going to happen, but now it's been Robert Stamp seal of approvalance. There I suppose your initial reaction to expansion up into Papua New Guinea Cameron.

Yeah, well it's an interesting one clearly. You know, there's three parts to it. Is the game itself and how popular it is up there in P ANDB. And you know they're very ambitious and I've got great plans. And then you know, naturally there's a financial backing from both the Australian federal government and the P and G government, which is you know, it doesn't normally happen when you when you expand, so we haven't seen that before. So it's a it's a huge, huge win for the game of rugby league and one that I'm sure there'll be a lot of work to happen between now and twenty eight to get it right. But you know, really confident that the the NRELA, you know, ticking all the right boxes to make sure you know it's a success in time.

Yeah, well it's an interesting one clearly. You know, there's three parts to it. Is the game itself and how popular it is up there in P ANDB. And you know they're very ambitious and I've got great plans. And then you know, naturally there's a financial backing from both the Australian federal government and the P and G government, which is you know, it doesn't normally happen when you when you expand, so we haven't seen that before. So it's a it's a huge, huge win for the game of rugby league and one that I'm sure there'll be a lot of work to happen between now and twenty eight to get it right. But you know, really confident that the the NRELA, you know, ticking all the right boxes to make sure you know it's a success in time.

Does it make you feel uncomfortable? There's a great big political element to this camera.

Does it make you feel uncomfortable? There's a great big political element to this camera.

Look, I think it's you know, it's all part of the package now a sport. You know, there's a there's a lot to it. It's just not on the field, it's off the field. You know, the Australian government have obviously got their reasons and you know, if rugby league can be a really big winner out of that, you know that that's that's a great thing. So to get that government support is certainly going to help develop the pathways and the structures around the team in three years time. So as I said, there's a lot of work to go under the bridge, but you know the government support goes a long way to helping establish critical pathways and opportunities for all rugby league people.

Look, I think it's you know, it's all part of the package now a sport. You know, there's a there's a lot to it. It's just not on the field, it's off the field. You know, the Australian government have obviously got their reasons and you know, if rugby league can be a really big winner out of that, you know that that's that's a great thing. So to get that government support is certainly going to help develop the pathways and the structures around the team in three years time. So as I said, there's a lot of work to go under the bridge, but you know the government support goes a long way to helping establish critical pathways and opportunities for all rugby league people.

Primarily, what do you think has to be sorted before they hit the ground and we see the first game over there, anything you're aware of that they should probably look at.

Primarily, what do you think has to be sorted before they hit the ground and we see the first game over there, anything you're aware of that they should probably look at.

First camera, Not really, but I just think it's the infrastructure around the sport, over their pathways and development is huge in any space, so you know, wherever the NRL teams reside, it's critical to invest in that. And you know, I understand that they're pretty well starting from I wouldn't say scratch, but you know, they've got a lot of work to do and that money will be well spent to create that and what that does is uldly underpin NRL, which is very important. So I think that there's definitely a lot of work to be done between now and twenty twenty eight. And you know, but I'm sure the NRL have done all of the analysis to make sure that they can happen.

First camera, Not really, but I just think it's the infrastructure around the sport, over their pathways and development is huge in any space, so you know, wherever the NRL teams reside, it's critical to invest in that. And you know, I understand that they're pretty well starting from I wouldn't say scratch, but you know, they've got a lot of work to do and that money will be well spent to create that and what that does is uldly underpin NRL, which is very important. So I think that there's definitely a lot of work to be done between now and twenty twenty eight. And you know, but I'm sure the NRL have done all of the analysis to make sure that they can happen.

Cameron George, it's quite inn away triple though I expect it's not that much further than going playing for the Cowboys, So no issues there for you blocks.

Cameron George, it's quite inn away triple though I expect it's not that much further than going playing for the Cowboys, So no issues there for you blocks.

Yeah, look, that's all that stuff around the structure of the competition. You know, are they going to look at two conferences with all the travel? You talk about the introduction of further teams, what does that do to the to the travel for the competition as well? So I think the announcement today we didn't even see a logo, colors, name or anything like that. So there's a lot of work to happen. And I think with the NRL they look at all things around competition structures. So it might ever mean that there are two conferences and it reduces the travel. I'm not one hundred percent sure, but as I said, all that work will be undertaken.

Yeah, look, that's all that stuff around the structure of the competition. You know, are they going to look at two conferences with all the travel? You talk about the introduction of further teams, what does that do to the to the travel for the competition as well? So I think the announcement today we didn't even see a logo, colors, name or anything like that. So there's a lot of work to happen. And I think with the NRL they look at all things around competition structures. So it might ever mean that there are two conferences and it reduces the travel. I'm not one hundred percent sure, but as I said, all that work will be undertaken.

Now and totally it can be over important Moresby. You hear stories are around the safety of the place and whether it's a place that people actually want to go and visit. I don't know the truth behind any of that camera because I've never been there. But do you have any hesitations or any worries about sending your team over to Papua?

Now and totally it can be over important Moresby. You hear stories are around the safety of the place and whether it's a place that people actually want to go and visit. I don't know the truth behind any of that camera because I've never been there. But do you have any hesitations or any worries about sending your team over to Papua?

And you get like you, I haven't been there, know a lot of people from there, and I know a lot of people that have been there, And you know, I think the NRL and the government, both Australia and p and G are certainly going to have a setup that just provides a professional environment and you know, I'm sure teams will be fine going there, and that's something that you know, the NRL.

And you get like you, I haven't been there, know a lot of people from there, and I know a lot of people that have been there, And you know, I think the NRL and the government, both Australia and p and G are certainly going to have a setup that just provides a professional environment and you know, I'm sure teams will be fine going there, and that's something that you know, the NRL.

Would have been short as part of the deal.

Would have been short as part of the deal.

So yeah, looking forward to all those opportunities in the future to discuss them and see where it lands, and I'm sure you know, everyone will be okay.

So yeah, looking forward to all those opportunities in the future to discuss them and see where it lands, and I'm sure you know, everyone will be okay.

Of course, more players need to be spread around eighteen teams hopefully going up to twenty. How does that make the play market for everybody concerned because you've got more teams less players. What do you think about that?

Of course, more players need to be spread around eighteen teams hopefully going up to twenty. How does that make the play market for everybody concerned because you've got more teams less players. What do you think about that?

Yeah, wellok, that's an interesting question because again that analysis would have been done. I understand, you know, P and G are really focused on, you know, promoting from within. Hence why the development of part arways is critical and the investment in that and likewise any other region that's looking at it, you absolutely need it and you need it in your own backyard, and we're investing heavily in that. And you know, I've been sort of challenging the NRL to put more money into New Zealand to create better systems and competition so we can grow the game over here. And look, the players and then will start to filter through. But as it stands now, you know, there are a lot of players out there. You know, with three years notice, it's going to get tighter and tighter in terms of the elite NRL players.

Yeah, wellok, that's an interesting question because again that analysis would have been done. I understand, you know, P and G are really focused on, you know, promoting from within. Hence why the development of part arways is critical and the investment in that and likewise any other region that's looking at it, you absolutely need it and you need it in your own backyard, and we're investing heavily in that. And you know, I've been sort of challenging the NRL to put more money into New Zealand to create better systems and competition so we can grow the game over here. And look, the players and then will start to filter through. But as it stands now, you know, there are a lot of players out there. You know, with three years notice, it's going to get tighter and tighter in terms of the elite NRL players.

So that's why a.

So that's why a.

Lot of clubs, with this discussion that's been going on, have been going and you know, signing up players, so probably longer than what they would have particularly in critical positions.

Lot of clubs, with this discussion that's been going on, have been going and you know, signing up players, so probably longer than what they would have particularly in critical positions.

What does this do for the possibility of a South Island franchise because there are still two spots available, does this kibosh theme do you think because it's still an opportunity in the South Island.

What does this do for the possibility of a South Island franchise because there are still two spots available, does this kibosh theme do you think because it's still an opportunity in the South Island.

Yeah, I don't think it takes it off the table for sure. I think it's just everyone the appetite. The NRL have got to expand and grow the game. But I mean, you know, there's that announcement today shows you the level of funding that you've got to put into regions to make sure you've got the best possible development and pathways, and they're structures that last.

Yeah, I don't think it takes it off the table for sure. I think it's just everyone the appetite. The NRL have got to expand and grow the game. But I mean, you know, there's that announcement today shows you the level of funding that you've got to put into regions to make sure you've got the best possible development and pathways, and they're structures that last.

A lifetime, and you've got to put.

A lifetime, and you've got to put.

Money into that very early on and let it mature and then that underpins you know, NRL teams and that's that's what happens, and that's what's happening right around the NRL, and I think there's a great opportunity on the South Island. It's just the timing of that, you know. For me personally, I feel like we need to invest a lot more time and money and resource.

Money into that very early on and let it mature and then that underpins you know, NRL teams and that's that's what happens, and that's what's happening right around the NRL, and I think there's a great opportunity on the South Island. It's just the timing of that, you know. For me personally, I feel like we need to invest a lot more time and money and resource.

Into New Zealand to help New Zealand Rugby League and all the.

Into New Zealand to help New Zealand Rugby League and all the.

Regions to get better competitions and so on. So if we can do that, the timing of a second NRL team in New Zealand, I'm sure it'll be on the agenda for a long long time. But until we do that, you know, timing for me is an issue. We've got a long plant, long term rather than sure.

Regions to get better competitions and so on. So if we can do that, the timing of a second NRL team in New Zealand, I'm sure it'll be on the agenda for a long long time. But until we do that, you know, timing for me is an issue. We've got a long plant, long term rather than sure.

So in essence, the structure the depth of New Zealand Rugby League needs to be in a better position before it can justify a second team in that You're not just like wanting to be the only NRL team in New Zealand date you, Cameron.

So in essence, the structure the depth of New Zealand Rugby League needs to be in a better position before it can justify a second team in that You're not just like wanting to be the only NRL team in New Zealand date you, Cameron.

No, not at all.

No, not at all.

I've always said from the outset and only as recently as last week and the interview, there's a great opportunity here. But my whole point is, you know, we're flying five to six teams over to Australia or opposing teams over to New Zealand every week, so we can play in the elite in the elite competitions and be NR already and developed. What I'd love to see is the NRL look at New Zealand as another state of Australia from a funding aspect and get the local domestic competitions up to the level equal to New South Wales or Q Cup, so we don't have to send teams to Australia. They all can play local that can retain great talent in this country and they can all play rugby league right across the country and then have a pathway.

I've always said from the outset and only as recently as last week and the interview, there's a great opportunity here. But my whole point is, you know, we're flying five to six teams over to Australia or opposing teams over to New Zealand every week, so we can play in the elite in the elite competitions and be NR already and developed. What I'd love to see is the NRL look at New Zealand as another state of Australia from a funding aspect and get the local domestic competitions up to the level equal to New South Wales or Q Cup, so we don't have to send teams to Australia. They all can play local that can retain great talent in this country and they can all play rugby league right across the country and then have a pathway.

Into the NRL.

Into the NRL.

So you know, we can't keep them all, absolutely not. And the second team in New Zealand is a great opportunity, but it's the timing of that, so he's putting it in tomorrow and not having anything underneath it, because that would mean you've got ten teams going over every week and back every week to play each other, and you know that's not cost effective and it's not doing the game any good here. I want to help promote the game here and have everyone aspire to play rugby league in this country in great competitions, play for the teams that are based here and we're the key we jumper, that's the ultimate dream here. But we need NRL to put a lot of money and time and effort into that with us and then ZRL.

So you know, we can't keep them all, absolutely not. And the second team in New Zealand is a great opportunity, but it's the timing of that, so he's putting it in tomorrow and not having anything underneath it, because that would mean you've got ten teams going over every week and back every week to play each other, and you know that's not cost effective and it's not doing the game any good here. I want to help promote the game here and have everyone aspire to play rugby league in this country in great competitions, play for the teams that are based here and we're the key we jumper, that's the ultimate dream here. But we need NRL to put a lot of money and time and effort into that with us and then ZRL.

It's always been one of my arguments, Cameron, glad you back that where't the Warriors can't play everybody? Oh we're losing all the talent. Why didn't the Warriors pick him? Why didn't the Warriors pick him? Why did they release him? Because it's simply not possible. We can only do what you're doing on there came before we say goodbye. How's preseason going and those guys getting thrashed up sand Hills? Are they?

It's always been one of my arguments, Cameron, glad you back that where't the Warriors can't play everybody? Oh we're losing all the talent. Why didn't the Warriors pick him? Why didn't the Warriors pick him? Why did they release him? Because it's simply not possible. We can only do what you're doing on there came before we say goodbye. How's preseason going and those guys getting thrashed up sand Hills? Are they?

Yeah, they've had a really good preces in touch Wood, you know where he's really happy. The young kids are really going well. They've got a lot of experience last year through a number of injuries as we saw, and they've bound back into this preseason really positive, really strong, and really focused and now we're just seeing you know, a drip feeding. The representative players are coming back in a different time lines and you know they're adding value to the training sessions and really happy with both the experienced players, how they've come back and their mindset, but very excited about the young kids that are stepping into their first or second or third preseason, hungry as and been training really hard. So let's hope they get the Christmas, have a good break, come back and be ready to rock and roll.

Yeah, they've had a really good preces in touch Wood, you know where he's really happy. The young kids are really going well. They've got a lot of experience last year through a number of injuries as we saw, and they've bound back into this preseason really positive, really strong, and really focused and now we're just seeing you know, a drip feeding. The representative players are coming back in a different time lines and you know they're adding value to the training sessions and really happy with both the experienced players, how they've come back and their mindset, but very excited about the young kids that are stepping into their first or second or third preseason, hungry as and been training really hard. So let's hope they get the Christmas, have a good break, come back and be ready to rock and roll.

And not eat too much. And on that we'll let you go. Cam George, thanks so much for that. Can't come soon enough, quite frankly, up the wares.

And not eat too much. And on that we'll let you go. Cam George, thanks so much for that. Can't come soon enough, quite frankly, up the wares.

Merry Christmas, thanks mate. Thanks to everyone.

Merry Christmas, thanks mate. Thanks to everyone.

For more from Sports Talk, listen Lived and News Talks. They'd be from seven pm weekdays, or follow the podcast on iHeartRadio

For more from Sports Talk, listen Lived and News Talks. They'd be from seven pm weekdays, or follow the podcast on iHeartRadio