Australia has committed to providing Papua New Guinea (PNG) with A$600 million over the next decade to assist the Pacific Island nation in joining Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL). This funding initiative, announced during a press conference between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and PNG Prime Minister James Marape, aims to establish a national rugby league team for PNG, which is deeply passionate about the sport.

This new team is expected to compete in the NRL by 2028 and will be based in Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea. This move is not only significant for promoting rugby league in PNG, but it also seeks to enhance tourism and bolster economic ties between Australia and its northern neighbor.

Prime Minister Albanese emphasized the importance of rugby league to the people of PNG, stating, “Rugby league is the national sport of Papua New Guinea and PNG deserves a national team. The new team will belong to the people of Papua New Guinea.”

In addition to the rugby league initiative, the agreement between the two countries also includes a security pact that focuses on police training, which came into effect this week. This dual initiative is part of Australia’s broader strategy to address increasing security concerns in the Pacific region, particularly in light of China’s growing influence.

This partnership not only represents a milestone for sports in Papua New Guinea but also symbolizes a strengthening of bilateral relations that may foster greater regional stability and prosperity.

Summary: Australia is set to invest A$600 million in Papua New Guinea over ten years, helping the island nation establish its own rugby league team that will join the NRL in 2028. The agreement aims to enhance tourism and strengthen security ties amidst regional security concerns.