How the deaths of 26 men in shocking Papua New Guinea massacre could force a huge change to one of Australia’s biggest footy competitions

The Queensland Rugby League (QRL) aims to make a decision by the end of the week on whether to play matches in the first round of the national competition in Papua New Guinea, following the killing of at least 26 men during civil unrest.

The PNG Hunters will host Wynnum-Manly in Port Moresby on March 9 in the opening round of the Hostplus Cup in Queensland.

QRL chairman Bruce Hatcher said player safety at AAP would be ‘of paramount importance’ in the decision-making process.

Players not required for NRL duty often turn out for cup matches.

The outbreak of tribal violence in PNG’s remote highlands led to Prime Minister James Marape transferring arrest powers to the military on Monday.

Dozens of men were recently shot dead in an ambush in Enga Province in Papua New Guinea’s remote highlands (officials remove some bodies, photo)

The unrest followed chaotic scenes of rioting and looting in the capital Port Moresby and the country’s second-largest city, Lae, in January, when at least 15 people were killed.

The QRL is monitoring the outcome of the opposition party’s no-confidence motion in Marape, which will be considered by the powerful Private Affairs Committee on Wednesday, a source said.

A QRL meeting with relevant stakeholders is planned for Friday.

Hatcher said QRL would continue to liaise with the PNG Hunters regarding the developing situation.

“We’re doing quite a bit of work with all our connections on the ground in PNG because player safety is absolutely paramount,” Hatcher told AAP.

‘We also receive independent advice.

‘We must be absolutely responsible and ensure that any danger is minimal. If the risk is higher than normal, we won’t go there.

‘Rugby League is their national sport, but the reality is there are risks associated with playing there.

The PNG Hunters (pictured) will host Wynnum-Manly in Port Moresby on March 9

QRL chairman Bruce Hatcher said player safety would be ‘of paramount importance’ as the league decides early in the season whether to hold matches in PNG

“We will make a final decision later this week based on the advice we receive from the security organizations we work with there and the Australian High Commission.”

The NRL has plans to field a PNG side in an expanded competition.

Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys said at the North Queensland Cowboys’ season launch last week that the organization is “beginning to lean towards a base in Papua New Guinea” after previously suggesting its headquarters would be in Cairns could be established.

The guaranteed safety of players would be crucial for this.

The Hunters played Queensland Cup matches in Australia for the better part of two seasons during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hatcher said there are parallels to be drawn with the current situation and a scenario that unfolded in late 2022.

“When they had the election and COVID was rife, the PNG Hunters asked if they could play their last five games in Port Moresby,” Hatcher said.

‘Because the elections had not yet been called, we had to wait because there was quite a bit of civil unrest.

‘We ended up canceling four games and then the fifth against Mackay.

“I was at the QRL office on Wednesday morning and got a call from the Prime Minister (PNG) saying he wanted the match to go ahead.

“He promised to ensure high security protection for all players and officials. We ended up flying the teams there the morning of the game.”