A Milestone for Pacific Rugby League: Papua New Guinea to Join NRL in 2028

Papua New Guinea (PNG) will officially join the National Rugby League (NRL) in 2028, marking the league’s first expansion into the Pacific region. This announcement reflects both the cultural significance of rugby league in PNG and its potential to enhance the sport’s presence across the Pacific. The new team will be based in Port Moresby, with matches to be played at the Santos National Stadium. High-performance facilities are also planned to ensure the franchise is well-prepared for its inaugural season.

The Australian government’s $600 million investment in a Papua New Guinea (PNG) NRL team reflects a strategic alignment of sports diplomacy and commercial goals. The team is expected to attract substantial fan engagement from PNG’s 10 million people, bolstering pathways for players and enhancing the league’s global appeal, and may be offering tax-free benefits to players and staff.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted rugby league’s cultural significance in PNG, where the sport is passionately supported.

Peter V’landys, Chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission, emphasised the financial opportunity stating the key strategy involves ensuring the PNG team achieves financial independence within a decade, coinciding with the conclusion of government funding.

To address concerns raised by existing NRL clubs regarding the league’s expansion, it has been reported that each club will receive a total of $4 million in financial support over the next five years. This funding, designed to acknowledge their role in facilitating the inclusion of a new team within the ARL Commission, will be distributed through a structured schedule: $1.75 million in 2025, $1 million in 2026, $750,000 in 2027, and $250,000 in both 2028 and 2029. This initiative underscores the NRL’s commitment to fostering collaboration and ensuring all stakeholders are supported as part of the league’s broader growth and development strategy.

The expansion also aims to unlock commercial partnerships, increase broadcasting rights, and tap into corporate sponsorships in untapped markets. PNG Prime Minister James Marape pledged additional support, including compound-style accommodation and tax-free salaries, to attract marquee players, ensuring the team’s competitiveness and appeal to sponsors.

The NRL aims to grow to 20 teams and double its revenue to $1 billion over the next decade, with the PNG team expected to become financially self-sufficient by 2035.

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