With 40,000 participants in both player pathways and AFL development programs in PNG, AFLPNG have made it their responsibility to bring up locally-produced talents in the country that are now in demand, and recognised in both Queensland and Victorian championships.
The current PNG Mosquitoes, participating in the International Cup Title 2017, has 7 to 8 overseas-based players who came through the AFLPNG player pathway program, to find themselves playing for respective clubs in both Queensland and Victoria.
PNG Mosquitoes Head Coach, David Lake, said if clubs in Australia can take top players in PNG and sign them into their club; it will not only boost the level of the players, but also raise the profile of the club.
Lake says watching the young Mosquitoes play hard and the skills displayed will certainly boost and create an appetite for clubs in search of the best players possible.
Assistant Coach, Daryl White, said while the demand is there, players coming through the player pathway program at this stage are lucky, especially at a time where clubs in Australia are in search of skilled players.
He said if clubs can provide financial support to the players, not only will it help them financially, but also support their families back home.
AFLPNG is slowly, but surely, reaching the remote areas of PNG in getting local communities and schools involved in their development and player pathway programs.
