Sport: Crowds come out in PNG to view Rugby League World Cup

11:03 am on 20 September 2017

Large crowds have turned out in Papua New Guinea to get a glimpse of the Rugby League World Cup.

More than 30,000 people attended the Goroka Show on the weekend to view the Paul Barrière Trophy as the Trophy Tour arrived in the PNG Highlands region.

The Tour began in Port Moresby last week, taking in Lae, Wau, Bulolo, Goroka, and places in between, with helicopters being used to access remote villages.

The Rugby League World Cup.

The Rugby League World Cup. Photo: Rugby League World Cup 2017

World Cup Chief Executive Andrew Hill has been in PNG for the trophy tour and said the scenes he had witnessed indicated how excited and proud the country was about hosting Kumuls' matches in the tournament.

"Rugby League truly unites Papua New Guinea and the Oil Search Trophy Tour reminds those involved in the game of the positive impact sport can have on the community," he said.

"The passion and pride that the country has for Rugby League is second to none and it has been fantastic to see people in all parts of Papua New Guinea able to share in the excitement of hosting the World Cup".

PNG coach Michael Marum, Rugby League World Cup CEO Andrew Hill and Kumuls fullback Stargroth Amean promote cheap ticket prices in Port Moresby.

PNG coach Michael Marum, Rugby League World Cup CEO Andrew Hill and Kumuls fullback Stargroth Amean promote cheap ticket prices in Port Moresby. Photo: Supplied / Rocky Roe

It's a busy time for rugby league in the country with the PNG Kumuls playing the Australian Prime Minister's XIII and the PNG Orchids playing the Australian Jillaroos women's team this Saturday at the National Football Stadium, while the PNG Hunters face the Sunshine Coast Falcons in the Queensland Cup grand final on Sunday.

PNG will host three matches in the World Cup, against Wales on 28 October, Ireland on 5 November and USA on 12 November.