PNG Signs NRL Deal With Australia

The Papua New Guinea and Australian Governments held a significant ‘Signing Ceremony’ yesterday night (February 19th, 2025) at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby to symbolize PNG’s entry into the National Rugby League (NRL) competition by 2028. 

Present to witness the signing formalities were Prime Minister James Marape, NCD Governor Powes Parkop, Sports Minister Kinoka Feo, Members of Parliament, NRL great Cameron Smith, Australian High Commissioner John Feakes, PNG NRL CEO Andrew Hill, including the distinguished guests and stakeholders of the game. 

Following a historic announcement last year (December 12th) in Sydney, Australia, confirming PNG’s successful bid to join the NRL competition in 2028, yesterday’s momentous occasion was to officially sign the documents to signify PNG’s entry into the NRL.

Speaking on behalf of the Australian Government and NRL, Commissioner John Feakes said he was delighted to sign the document, granting PNG the blessing to field a team in the toughest competition by 2028.

“With this NRL deal, it’s a reaffirmation of the bonds we share with Papua New Guinea and an important symbol of our contemporary partnership,” His Excellency Feakes stated. 

“As the only country in the world where rugby league is the national sport, the case for PNG to enter the NRL has an unassailable logic to it, further embracing the ties that bind us and the uniqueness of our relationship. 

“The PNG team will participate in the most competitive sport in the world. For years, Papua New Guineans have adorned the NRL, supporting their teams across the competition. And now, they will have an opportunity to support and play for their own team.”

Prime Minister James Marape acknowledged the Australian Government under the leadership of his counterpart Anthony Albanese, including the NRL for fulfilling PNG’s dream of having a team in the top-flight competition.

“I want to thank the Australian Government for their strong leadership and support to make this moment possible,” Marape said.

“I want to convey my greatest appreciation to my colleague Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his government for investing their time, effort, commitment and more importantly, over $300 million to make this moment become a reality.”

Marape further said it wasn’t about rugby league alone, but it encompasses other benefits like education, health, infrastructure development, and so on, with the underlying message of ‘unity’.

Sports Minister, Kinoka Feo and NCD Governor, Powes Parkop echoed similar sentiments shared by Prime Minister Marape, noting that PNG would be ready to host its first game in Port Moresby by 2028. 

PNG NRL franchise CEO, Andrew Hill also thanked the Australian Government and NRL board for accepting PNG’s bid to become the 18th team in the NRL by 2028. He also gave credit to the PNGRFL board under the leadership of Chairman Sandis Tsaka, Wapu Sonk, and other brains behind the scenes who played pivotal roles that culminated in PNG being the 18th NRL team.