A new funding deal between the Federal Government and Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) has cemented a PNG-based side being included in a future expanded National Rugby League (NRL) competition.
ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys said the 10-year Pacific Rugby League Partnership was a watershed moment for rugby league and the Pacific region.
Mr V’landys said the partnership would support investment into grassroots, pathways and elite rugby league across Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Samoa and Fiji.
“It will also support the introduction of a PNG-based NRL side as part of a future expanded NRL Telstra Premiership,” he said.
“Rugby league is the number one sport in the Pacific. This new Club will solidify Rugby league’s role as the unifying language of our region.”
Mr V’landys said the funding would be directed into programs that would transform lives and communities across the Pacific.
“Roughly half the funding in this historic agreement with the Federal Government will go to grassroots football and community programs in PNG. It will also flow across the Pacific, including to Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.
“The Pacific Rugby League Partnership will help improve school retention, foster national cohesion, and provide opportunities for young people to be their best selves. We know when rugby league is on the curriculum, kids go to school – and that changes lives.
“Rugby league isn’t just sport, it’s a social force for good – a way to improve lives and build stronger communities.”
Mr V’landys said the new PNG team provided the NRL with a new 10 million+ audience many who would go from being causal fans into engaged fans.
“Just as importantly the pathways investments will provide many new and exciting players to the game.”
The deal comes at the same time that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and PNG Prime James Marape announced the entry into force of the Australia – Papua New Guinea Bilateral Security Agreement.
Prime Minister Albanese said the Agreement elevated, broadened and modernised the longstanding security relationship, ensured consultation on security-related developments and allowed the countries to work more closely together to contribute to the region’s security.
“Since signing the Agreement in December 2023, Australia has responded quickly to support Papua New Guinea’s defence and internal security priorities as its security partner of choice,” he said.
“This includes Australian support to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary by commencing construction on new policing facilities, delivering a new police patrol vessel, as well as support for recruitment, training and forensics.”
