Prime Minister Marape welcomes historic NRL expansion to Port Moresby
Papua New Guinea will officially join the Australia National Rugby League in 2028.
PNG was granted the 18th NRL license ahead of Sydney Bears after the Australian Rugby League Commission and Federal Government revealed Thursday morning as part of a historic NRL expansion plan.
The long-awaited announcement came after months of rumor as PNG now wins the bid to officially join the top-flight competition in 2028.
According to arrangements, the PNG franchise will be based in Port Moresby as preparations ramp up for NRL entry in 4 years’ time.
“We are united, of course, by a love of rugby league. Rugby League is PNG’s national sport, and PNG deserves as national team,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a joint media conference with Prime Minister James Marape in Sydney, Australia.
“The new team will belong to the people of Papua New Guinea and it will call Port Moresby home.”
The Australian government will back the PNG franchise with an Australian $600-million funding for 10-years.
PNG government also revealed recently that NRL players committed to the Port Moresby-based club will be tax exempted as part of its plans to lure top players.
Prime Minister Marape when welcoming the landmark announcement, said, the PNG franchise will unite the nation through rugby league
Marape said this historic announcement will further strengthen PNG’s relationship with Australia.
“Sport has the unique power to unite our two peoples, who share an ancient history and even the same DNA, as seen in the bond between Papua New Guineans and Torres Strait Islanders,” Mr. Marape said.
“An NRL team for PNG is more than just sports – it is a national unification strategy. With our diverse cultures and people, rugby league can bring us together as one nation.
“For us, this partnership is not only about rugby league but also about anchoring the deep connection between our two countries.
“As we look to our 50th anniversary of independence, we envision a future where a PNG NRL team represents not just sporting excellence but the enduring partnership and shared destiny between PNG and Australia. This is more than a game – it is a symbol of unity and mutual respect.”
PNG has a three-year window to ensure necessary preparations are in place for NRL to venture into Port Moresby with PM Marape boasting confidence in security.
The focus will now be placed to ensure robust junior pathway systems are in place as PNG prepares to enter NRL.
Meanwhile, PNG NRL Bid management are yet to identify a potential name but the prime minister said it will be revealed before the 2028 season.