PNG to host RLWC 2017 matches

Papua New Guinea is promising to help stage the most exciting Rugby League World Cup yet after being awarded 2017 co-hosting rights with Australia and New Zealand.

In a first for the rugby league-mad nation, PNG will host three pool matches in Port Moresby after the country's government poured $1.4 billion into establishing state-of-the-art facilities, including three brand new stadiums and several hotels.

"Our aim is to make this Rugby League World Cup the most accessible and fan-friendly ever," said RLWC local organising committee chief Michael Brown.

In addition to the government's investment, the PNGRL has contributed $2 million to the 14-team tournament.

"The investment that the government and capital city has put in will get 10 times more back when it comes to the promotion of our city, our country and our national sport of rugby league," said PNG Minister for Sports, Justin Tkatchenko.

"We've created history here today and the stadiums will be packed at every game, probably more than here.

"We look forward to making this the best World Cup ever."

Mr Tkatchenko dismissed security concerns, saying the successful hosting of this year's Pacific Games proved the World Cup will be safe.

"Our police at the Pacific Games were unarmed. That shows the respect our people have for the uniform and the law," he said.

Mr Tkatchenko said the biggest problem will be allocating tickets, with all games in PNG set to be a sellout even at the city's newest and largest stadium that will seat 26,000 fans.

The 28-game tournament will feature two three-team pools and two four-team pools.

PNG will be in a three-team pool and play both other sides from their group as well as another from the second three-team pool.

Australia and New Zealand will head the other four-team pools, with the draw not to be done until qualifying is complete next year.

As well as co-hosting the Rugby League World Cup, PNG will stage the FIFA under-20s women's World Cup next year in another coup for the country.