Support for Papua New Guinea’s NRL pathway

During my visit to Papua New Guinea this week, I was proud to announce $5.5 million to support Papua New Guinea's pathway to having a team in Australia's National Rugby League competition.

This investment by the Albanese Government will support player pathways and a talent academy for PNG youth, recognising their great potential and passion for the game. It will help develop the business case for a PNG team to play in the NRL.

It is the next step in our support for rugby league in PNG, building on long-running support for the sport at the grassroots, through development programs like League for Life, and high-performance programs under PacificAus Sports.

Talent identification and player development are a critical part of developing a competitive and sustainable PNG NRL team.

Australia and Papua New Guinea share a passion for rugby league, and we know how important having an NRL team is for the people of PNG. Our countries are the close neighbours and friends and there's huge potential for rugby league to bring our countries even closer together.

I was pleased to convey Australia's commitment to work together to support the bid to PNG's Prime Minister James Marape and Chairman of the PNG NRL Bid Board Mr Wapu Sonk.

As Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged during his visit to PNG in January 2023, a PNG team in the NRL would strengthen Australia's bilateral relationship with Papua New Guinea.