PM James Marape welcomes Penrith Panthers support for PNG NRL deal

Prime Minister James Marape has welcomed the Penrith Panthers' support for Papua New Guinea’s NRL Deal, which aims to have a PNG-based team join the competition in 2028.

Following the historic announcement by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in December last year, the NRL deal is expected to enhance people-to-people connections, sports tourism, and business ties between PNG and Australia, building on their strong political and social history.

With Penrith Panthers CEO Matthew Cameron visiting PNG this week, the club expressed its support for the deal, as PNG prepares to launch its team in Port Moresby by 2028.

At an event held at the Stanley Hotel last night, Mr Marape thanked the Panthers for their support, marking a significant step in PNG’s NRL journey.

“Your [Penrith Panthers CEO and Club] presence here and your expression of support towards PNG’s NRL Deal that was declared last December in Sydney means a lot to me and Papua New Guinea, especially as the number one club in the NRL at the moment coming in to show support in this manner. I appreciate what is happening here.

“Rugby League has turned out to be a great spectator sport, not just in Australia, PNG, and the Pacific region, but it is gaining popularity and interest in other parts of the world. Twenty to thirty years I see this code of sport going deeply into the entertainment arena for bigger countries like the United States and even into Asian countries.”

PM Marape said for Papua New Guinea joining the NRL competition in the next few years in this generation and era is special and is exciting as the sport of rugby league expands its borders beyond Australia and the Pacific, as well as the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe.

“For Papua New Guinea, joining the NRL is not just about sport. It is also nation building, and people-to-people connections with Australia and other countries.

“Our two nations [PNG and Australia] have special historic relations founded on Australia granting us Independence in 1975. And back then in 1975, the Penrith Panthers were only a 19-year-old Football Club. Next year (2026) will be the Panthers’ 70th year as an NRL Club, sporting franchise and of course the business it is today.

Prime Minister Marape reminded the Penrith Panthers: “You have a good fan base here in Papua New Guinea and with us joining the NRL from 2028, you can expect your fans from PNG and other places to watch and support you live. All the best for the future and appreciate your support.”