Asian Cup win ignites Singapore push for WCC, NRL matches

Singapore Rugby League founder Dane Campbell believes the interest generated by winning the inaugural Asian Championships could be a catalyst for the city state to become regular hosts of the World Club Challenge.

Led by boom Rabbitohs halfback Tylan Berryman and inspired by messages of support from Perth Bears recruit Toby Sexton and Cowboys winger Jaxon Paulo, who also have Singaporean heritage, the Memerang announced their arrival in the international stage in stunning fashion.

In their first international fixture, Singapore upset Japan 48-4 and the Memerang then shocked tournament hosts, Philippines, 62-0 in the final of the Asian Championships at International School Manila.

Campbell, who is also the Perth Bears recruitment manager, is now working on plans to grow the game in Singapore, with a domestic competition comprising of up to six teams – including a National Academy team – set to launch next year.

He said the growing awareness of the game in Singapore would also enhance opportunities to host major events in Singapore, such as the World Club Challenge or the proposed NRL Global Round, possibly involving a Bears match as it is only a four-hour flight from Perth.

“Singapore is ideally placed in terms of time zone, location and facilities; and from a personal standpoint it would be great to think the Perth Bears could play a game there at some stage,” Campbell said.

“But I think there is also an opportunity for us to pitch to have the World Club Challenge hosted in Singapore annually.”

“If we could make that a big event in its own right then fans on both sides of the globe would understand that once their team wins the grand final all roads then lead to Singapore for the World Club Challenge.”

The Broncos will travel to England to meet Hull KR in February, but Brisbane CEO Dave Donaghy recently revealed that the NRL premiers had considered playing the World Club Challenge in the Middle East.

Campbell said Singapore would be an ideal neutral venue for the annual fixture between the NRL and Super League winners.  

“You have got to stop through either Singapore or Dubai on the way to and from Australia and England, the time zone is friendly, the National Stadium is a 50,000-seat venue with a roof over it and air-conditioned seats so no matter what time of the year you play the conditions are going to be good,” he said.

The side that won the Asian Championships final included 11 players who were either born or reside in Singapore, and six based in Australia, including Berryman, who plays for South Sydney’s Jersey Flegg team.

Berryman, who qualifies through a Singapore-born grandmother, scored two brilliant individual tries and landed six goals from as many attempts in their historic 48-4 defeat of Japan.

The 19-year-old scored another two tries and kicked eight goals against Philippines, while having a hand in most of the Memerang’s other tries during the tournament.

“He was incredible in both games, and it was great to see what he did and how he really owned both of the games. You tell it really meant something to him to play for his Singaporean heritage,” Campbell said.

“Toby Sexton and Jaxon Paulo sent a good will message to the boys on game day, which was really cool.

“I know the players got a buzz out of those boys being invested and watching online, and also from Cameron Munster giving the team a shout out on social media, which was great.”

The reaction to the Singapore Rugby League’s own social media posts indicated that many weren’t aware the nation played rugby league but would now be following or supporting the team and the game.

“There was a little bit of interest before the event but since then that interest has grown,” Campbell said.

“Of a nation of six million people, approximately one million are expats – Australian, New Zealanders, English – so many of them would have some understanding of what rugby league is, and it’s given some attention to the fact that Singapore is now playing rugby league.

“Since getting a bit of exposure over the last couple of weeks and winning our games, we have had a number of inquiries from prominent Singapore-based companies that would like to become involved with what we are doing, so this is just a starting point for where we want to go.”

Singapore Memerang 62 (Jake Tobin 2, Connor Postlethwaite 2, Wayne Baxter 2, Tylan Berryman 2, Liam Postlethwaite, Cuba Cleaven-Van Der Laak, Kayden Chia tries; Tylan Berryman 8, Harresh Krishnan goals) defeated Philippines Tamaraws 0.