Global backing for PNG team as son of Kumuls great earns NRL debut
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The establishment of an NRL team in PNG has received global support as the teenage son of one of the nation's greatest players prepares to make his debut.
Cooper Bai, whose father Marcus won a premiership with the Storm in 1999 and is a director of the new PNG franchise, has been named on the interchange for the Titans in Saturday's match against Wests Tigers.
Bai, 18, has also been tipped for an end-of-season call up to the Kumuls, who will wear the Visa logo on their jerseys after securing an historic deal with one of the biggest companies.
The three-year partnership is a powerful endorsement for rugby league and Papua New Guinea, with Visa - a world leader in digital payments - coming on board as a platinum partner of the Kumuls and the PNGRFL.
“For the first time in PNG sports history, rugby league has partnered with a global brand from outside of the country and Visa’s sponsorship of the PNG LNG Kumuls is a testament to the growth of the game from grass roots level through to entry into the National Rugby League in 2028,” PNGRFL chairman Sandis Tsaka said.
“Rugby league is more than just a sport in PNG. It is a way of life, a path to a better future, a social cohesion tool to address other national issues, a platform to bring our people together and most importantly an opportunity to ensure that rugby league and education go hand-in-hand.
“All these ensure that we are true to our vision of ‘Better People, Better Sport, Better Nation’. We are delighted that Visa will join us on that journey.”
The new NRL franchise is inspiring growth from grassroots to elite levels and showcasing PNG’s unique passion for rugby league to the world.
The selection of Bai for the Gold Coast's final game of the season will add to the anticipation in PNG and he shared an emotional phone call with his famous father after learning the news on Tuesday.
"It is very exciting times for Cooper and our family. It is a dream come true for him and I am really happy for him. It was good for him, and I am really, really happy for Cooper to go through the Gold Coast Titans pathways at 13 or 14-years-old," Bai told SEN Radio.
Māori and Pasifika Pioneers: Marcus Bai
Kumuls coach Jason Demetriou recently told 94ddz.com that Bai and other young talent like Titans team-mate Sam Stephenson were under consideration for the Pacific Championships.
“Cooper Bai is playing really well in the Queensland Cup at the moment and there are a few young guys at NRL clubs who are banging on the door to represent the Kumuls, as well, so it is an exciting time leading into the World Cup,” Demetriou said.
The PNG Hunters posted: "Proud of you Cooper! PNG proud of you! You earned this! You got a country behind you mate!".
The PNG NRL Franchise posted: "Well deserved. We're all backing you, Cooper!".
Tsaka said that Visa’s sponsorship would further elevates PNG’s global profile and demonstrate the country’s appeal as a destination for world-class investments and partnerships.
“On behalf of the PNGRFL board, and the PNG LNG Kumuls, I want to thank Visa for their commitment to the game in this country and we look forward to representing the brand values of Visa which strongly align with our own," he said.
The Kumuls will wear the Visa logo on the right sleeve and shorts of their jerseys and training uniforms during the upcoming Pacific Championships and 2026 World Cup, which will be played in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
The partnership will run from 2025 to 2028, the year that the PNG team enters the NRL.
“Visa’s sponsorship of the PNG Kumuls is more than a partnership, it’s a commitment to Papua New Guinea’s future,” Visa Country Manager for New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, Anthony Watson said.
“Rugby league unites communities across the country, and we’re proud to stand with the Kumuls as they inspire pride and progress.
“With mobile technology rising and a bold national vision for digital inclusion, PNG is poised for transformation and Visa is here to help unlock that potential through the power of digital payments.”
Match: PNG Kumuls v Cook Islands Aitu
Round 2 -
home Team
PNG Kumuls
away Team
Cook Islands Aitu
Venue: Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby
Match: PNG Kumuls v Fiji Bati
Round 3 -
home Team
PNG Kumuls
away Team
Fiji Bati
Venue: Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby
