NRL welcomes PNG Chiefs

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo has welcomed the PNG Chiefs and confirmed that the team will run out in season 2028.

Abdo, was in the country last weekend to witness the Prime Minister's XIII fixtures and the official unveiling of the new PNG NRL Franchise [PNG Chiefs].

The NRL boss commended the efforts of both the PNG and Australian governments for their approach to growing the game of rugby league in the Pacific region.

"We are certainly excited about our partnership, and that the game of rugby league is growing. It is a unifying language," Abdo said.

"Rugby league is the biggest sport in the Pacific and it is about to get even bigger. We are delighted that we now have Papua New Guinea confirmed as the PNG Chiefs playing in the NRL in 2028."

While watching the Prime Minister's XIII fixtures, Abdo was impressed with the performance shown, especially from the junior sides.

"Rugby league is growing and we saw it out there, the Junior Kumuls and Orchids, and the Australian Schoolboys and Schoolgirls was incredibly competitive.

"That's exciting because we know that the PNG Chiefs will be competitive when they take the field in 2028," he added.

Following the announcement of the name, the PNG Chiefs board, headed by Chairman Ray Dib, will be unveiling the logo and colors.

"We are counting down the milestones, we have the name now and soon we will have the logos and colors, and I look forward to supporting this journey from the NRL."

Abdo is also impressed to see PNG hosting another edition of the Pacific Bowl Championships which was first introduced in 2023.

The Pacific Championships attracts hundreds of Australians, Fijians, Cook Islanders, Tongans, Samoans and others entering Port Moresby promoting the PNG capital a sports tourism hub.

"Sports is all about people and community and every time I come to PNG, I feel the enthusiasm and energy," he added.