PNG Chiefs Reveal Village Compound

The Papua New Guinea Chiefs held a Groundbreaking Ceremony yesterday (March 10), unveiling a K200 million Village Compound for the players and their families, including the board and management of the club, at the Airways Hotel in Port Moresby.

Several PNGRFL officials, the government delegation, and guests, including the PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson, Minister for Sports Honorable Kinoka Feo, and George Constantinou of the Constantinou Group of Companies, attended the event.

Airways Hotel has been tasked with building a residential compound in two years, which will feature 80 international-standard units, with 67 of the 80 units being dedicated exclusively to the PNG Chiefs. 

PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson announced the partnership between the new franchise and the Constantinou Group, describing the landmark development as a strategic alignment of providing first-class accommodation to athletes and their families. 

“What an exciting day for us today. This is another major step forward for the PNG Chiefs. The PNG Chiefs are honored to partner with the Constantinou Group, with Airways being chosen as the residential village for the players, their families, and the key staff member of the Chiefs,” McPherson said.

“For us, the partnership is more than just accommodation; it’s an investment in people, the families, and the long-term success of the PNG Chiefs, ensuring that the players have the support and stability in a world-class environment.

“This is a PNG first club - a club that unites, uplifts, and inspires Papua New Guinea. So, thank you to the Constantinou family and Airways for your trust and partnership in the PNG Chiefs.”

Minister for Sports Kinoka Feo pointed out that the PNG Chiefs not only focus on rugby league but also cover economic activities, sports tourism, and people-to-people relationships between Australia and PNG, including the Pacific.

“The development of this player village will create a dedicated home for our players, staff, and their families, ensuring they are supported on and off the field as they represent not only PNG but also the wider Pacific region,” Minister Feo stated.

“The development of this player village will provide more than family accommodation - it will provide a shared community space and recreational grounds for a professional rugby league club, creating a conducive living environment for players and their families.

“This project also forms part of the broader preparations underway to ensure Port Moresby is ready to welcome the PNG Chiefs and the many supporters, visitors, and international attention with our entry into the NRL by 2028.” 

Minister Feo also commended the National Capital District Governor, Honorable Powes Parkop, and MP for Moresby South and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honorable Justin Tkatchenko, including other partners, for their leadership in developing the nation’s capital. 

“Important work has already been undertaken across the city by Hon. Powes Parkop and Hon. Justin Tkatchenko, alongside many other partners, who are preparing our capital city for this historic opportunity to have a team in the NRL,” Hon. Feo said. 

“This groundbreaking ceremony represents only the beginning. In the months ahead, we will see further investments in facilities, infrastructure, and programs that will support the PNG Chiefs and ensure PNG is ready to enter the NRL in 2028.” 

Minister Feo further thanked the PNG Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister James Marape, the Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, the Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V’landys, and NRL CEO Andrew Abdo, for making this long-held dream a reality.

Chairman of the Constantinou Group, George Constantinou, thanked the PNG Chiefs for the partnership and trust shown in the company of constructing the village compound for the players and their families, including the club’s key personnel.

“It is a great pleasure to welcome you all to the Airways Hotel & Residences today to witness this occasion for the special groundbreaking of the Airways Residences C9 apartments,” Constantinou said.

“The development of the C9 residences has been a long time in the making. It will reinforce the Airways’ position as a leading hotel in Port Moresby. 

“I’m particularly delighted that the PNG decided to make the Airways and Residences their long-term home in Papua New Guinea. 

“As we all know, having somewhere that we can call home is instrumental for our quality of life. The Constantinou Group and the Airways look forward to welcoming the players, their families, and the PNG Chiefs staff to Port Moresby.”

The K200 million project is expected to be completed by November 2027, ahead of the PNG Chiefs’ entry to the NRL in 2028.