PNG to Enter NRL in 2028 Backed by Australian Government's AU$600 Million Plan
Papua New Guinea is reportedly set to become the National Rugby League’s (NRL) 19th franchise, following an in-principle agreement between the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) and the Australian federal government. According to The Daily Telegraph, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is backing a 10-year, AU$600 million (K1.6 billion) funding plan to integrate PNG into the NRL.
The Papua New Guinea franchise is expected to enter the first-grade competition in 2028, just one year after the Western Bears are introduced as the NRL's 18th team. The ARLC is reportedly pleased with the Australian government’s financial backing, which will support the PNG franchise until 2037.
The Papua New Guinea franchise is expected to enter the first-grade competition in 2028, just one year after the Western Bears are introduced as the NRL's 18th team. The ARLC is reportedly pleased with the Australian government’s financial backing, which will support the PNG franchise until 2037.
The formal announcement of the new Pacific NRL side is anticipated to take place after the NRL grand final, with a celebration set to coincide with the Australian PM XIII’s match against PNG in Port Moresby. The funding plan will not only benefit PNG but will also provide AU$60 million (K161 million) to be shared among the current 17 NRL clubs, with each franchise expected to receive around AU$3.5 million (K9.4 million) ahead of PNG’s entry into the league.
The remaining AU$540 million (K1.4 billion) is expected to be used to establish and sustain the PNG franchise. Of that, AU$290 million (K781 million) will be allocated to football operations, while AU$250 million (K673 million) will reportedly be invested in education and social welfare initiatives in Papua New Guinea.
Port Moresby will serve as the headquarters for the new NRL team, with plans to build a ‘mini-city’ to accommodate players and their families. The development is seen as a significant boost to both the sport and the economic relationship between Australia and PNG.
Prime Minister Albanese described the initiative as a "game changer" for relations between Australia and Papua New Guinea. He emphasized that the funding is not solely for the NRL team but also aims at fostering economic development, particularly in schools, and creating pathways for young people in PNG. Albanese also noted the strong support for the NRL bid from PNG Prime Minister James Marape.
Additionally, discussions are expected to take place between the NRL and the PNG government regarding potential tax incentives to attract players to the new franchise.
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The remaining AU$540 million (K1.4 billion) is expected to be used to establish and sustain the PNG franchise. Of that, AU$290 million (K781 million) will be allocated to football operations, while AU$250 million (K673 million) will reportedly be invested in education and social welfare initiatives in Papua New Guinea.
Port Moresby will serve as the headquarters for the new NRL team, with plans to build a ‘mini-city’ to accommodate players and their families. The development is seen as a significant boost to both the sport and the economic relationship between Australia and PNG.
Prime Minister Albanese described the initiative as a "game changer" for relations between Australia and Papua New Guinea. He emphasized that the funding is not solely for the NRL team but also aims at fostering economic development, particularly in schools, and creating pathways for young people in PNG. Albanese also noted the strong support for the NRL bid from PNG Prime Minister James Marape.
Additionally, discussions are expected to take place between the NRL and the PNG government regarding potential tax incentives to attract players to the new franchise.
Also read