Bank South Pacific Secures Record-Breaking Principal Partnership with PNG Chiefs Ahead of 2028 NRL Entry

The PNG Chiefs have secured the largest club sponsorship in National Rugby League history, announcing a landmark agreement with Bank South Pacific to serve as the Principal Foundation Partner through to the end of the 2030 season.

Unveiled at Santos Stadium in Port Moresby, the historic deal kicks off immediately during the pre-NRL foundation period, positioning the financial institution across the club’s front-of-jersey apparel and membership programs before the team commences its inaugural campaign in 2028.

Commenting on the landmark partnership, PNG Chiefs CEO, Lorna McPherson, said: “This is a landmark partnership for the PNG Chiefs and Papua New Guinea and, as a club, we couldn’t be prouder to welcome BSP on board.”

“BSP is an organisation that is part of the fabric of our country and community and recognises the scale of opportunity that exists with the PNG Chiefs.

“To have this level of commitment to our club – including this period leading into our first game in 2028 – shows BSP’s belief in what we are building, and the way we will create opportunities for Papua New Guineans for generations to come,” McPherson said.

Emphasisng the alignment of a locally headquartered enterprise backing the nation’s expansion team, BSP chairman, Robert Bradshaw, added: “BSP is incredibly proud to play a leadership role in supporting the PNG Chiefs through this historic partnership.”

“It is highly symbolic that BSP, a PNG-headquartered and majority PNG-owned company, is backing the nation’s NRL team.

“Rugby league unites Papua New Guinea like nothing else.

“We want to be an active part of the PNG Chiefs’ nation-building project in PNG and in raising the visibility of rugby league across the South Pacific,” Bradshaw said.

Echoing hi sentiments, BSP Group CEO, Mark Robinson, concluded: “Our aim is to be more than a sponsor for the PNG Chiefs.”

“This is a partnership with purpose.

“This agreement sees BSP become a partner on match day, a partner in engaging the new army of Chiefs fans and an active partner in the community.

“This includes working with the Chiefs to lift financial literacy throughout PNG,” Robinson noted.

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