New Zealand High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency Tony Fautua, says he will push for his Government to include PNG in its sports funding programs in the Pacific.
During the launching of the Jonah Lomu Cup in Port Moresby, Fautua said he will make strong representation for PNG to be included in the NZ$10 million (K20 million) Pacific Sports Partnership Program (PSP).
The PSP is focused on the development of rugby and netball in the Cook Islands, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.
However, Fautua says PNG has to prove to itself and to the region that it is worthy of starting something that will develop the sport and the country.
He said this is by developing a structured grassroots program that will promote rugby talents in the country and overseas.
At the 47th Pacific Island Leaders Forum in Micronesia, New Zealand Prime Minister, John Key, announced the PSP funding.
Though initially earmarked for the four named countries, there is potential to include other countries under the program.