Port Moresby to Get Facelift for NRL

As the PNG Chiefs work on the club’s foundation to join the National Rugby League (NRL) competition in 2028, Port Moresby is hitting the ground running, preparing the capital city to host the NRL games.

The National Capital District Governor, Honorable Powes Parkop, revealed that the municipal authority would ensure that the city’s infrastructure is upgraded and improved, ready to welcome the teams, fans, and visitors on PNG’s shores. 

Governor Parkop described the PNG Chiefs’ looming entry to the top-flight competition as "transformative, dynamic, and life-changing”, not only for the Port Moresby city residents, but nationwide as well. 

“This is a great initiative for our country. I can feel the vibe already. The Australians and the entire country will come to Port Moresby to watch the games, so we need to clean up the city,” Parkop said.

Governor Parkop urged the National Government to collaborate with the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) and the three electorates in the nation’s capital to uplift and change the face of the thriving metropolitan city ahead of 2028.  

Moreover, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Port Moresby South MP, Honorable Justin Tkatchenko, stressed the lawlessness, warning city residents to behave and cooperate as they plan to transform the city.

“We are cleaning up the city with the assistance of our Governor (Powes Parkop), removing the undesirables - those who cause law-and-order issues in our country will be no more,” Tkatchenko stated. 

“We are taking a hard stand to address lawlessness and embrace the Chiefs, visiting teams, visitors, and show Port Moresby a completely different lifestyle, situation, and environment.”

Tkatchenko added that the PNG Chiefs’ entry to the NRL would open up pathways and create opportunities for emerging rugby league talents across the country to compete in a professional, elite level.

“We will also assist the junior rugby league development today and going forward. It’s an amazing stepping stone and pathway for our Papua New Guinean players. Now, they can be NRL stars,” he said.

Prime Minister James Marape has thrown his support behind Governor Parkop and Minister Tkatchenko, highlighting that having the Chiefs in the NRL is a “unification strategy”, which encompasses sports, business, tourism, and people-to-people relationships with Australia.

The Prime Minister, Governor Parkop, and Minister Tkatchenko collectively thanked the Australian Government, Australian Rugby League Commission, PNG Rugby Football League, and everyone else working behind the scenes to fulfill this long-held dream.

With less than two years remaining before 2028, NCDC, the Government, and leaders are working together to beautify the city, upgrade ailing infrastructure, increase security personnel to address lawlessness, and provide a conducive and livable environment for everyone.