Broncos to play Panthers NRL exhibition game in Hawaii

Broncos to play Panthers NRL exhibition game in Hawaii
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THE Broncos brand is going global with Brisbane powerbrokers agreeing to stage a historic NRL exhibition game against Phil Gould’s Penrith Panthers in Hawaii.

The Hawaiian government has delivered a multi million-dollar grant for the Broncos and Penrith to play at the 50,000-seat Aloha Stadium.

Hawaii, population 1.42 million, is a tourist hotspot for many NRL stars seeking off-season breaks drinking pina coladas on some of the world’s best known beaches.

But Broncos and Panthers stars will pack boots alongside their budgy smugglers as the clubs prepare to stage the first game in NRL history on Hawaiian soil.

Former Wallabies stars Mark and Glen Ella, who run an event management company, have emerged as key figures in top-secret talks with Hawaiian officials.

The Broncos and Penrith boards have ratified the exhibition game, which is scheduled to be held on Saturday, October 17 — two weeks after the NRL grand final.

The Hawaii proposal, which has been in the planning phase for months, is subject to final approval from the NRL.

Hawaii rugby league boss Steve Johnson confirmed the Broncos and Penrith’s interest in spruiking the NRL gospel in a region which features a large Polynesian contingent.

Hawaiian locals will get their first taste of top-level rugby league next month when Samoa and Tonga square-off in the second instalment of the Pacific Test on July 18.

“The Broncos board is aware of the game and has approved it subject to NRL sanction,” Johnson said.

“Mark and Glen Ella have been in negotiations with the Hawaii government and we are thrilled to have the Broncos and Penrith’s support.

“We understand the NRL will be keen to support this remarkable event which is at no cost to them.

“This is not an end-of-season holiday, it’s a genuine attempt to expand the game. This is a chance for the game in America to embrace rugby league.

“We have convinced the Hawaiian government that rugby league is a vehicle to grow tourism.”

Rugby league’s links to Hawaii span more than 30 years. In 1984, league legend Paul Sironen played gridiron for the University of Hawaii before returning to Australia to launch his first-grade career with Balmain two years later.

It is estimated the cost of travel and accommodation for the Broncos and Penrith will be around $500,000. Channel Nine boss David Gyngell has been contacted to televise the event at Aloha Stadium, which is similar in size to Suncorp Stadium.

“The NRL is making a concerted effort to promote rugby league in the Pacific Islands and this is an extension of that, Hawaii has large Samoan and Tongan populations,” he said.

“Penrith are committing $250,000 worth of sponsorship and we have a strategic plan to grow the game in Hawaii.

“We are looking to start up a local rugby league competition so this is a serious exercise.”