This week, additional information has surfaced regarding an Australian government initiative aimed at funding a new NRL rugby league club in Papua New Guinea.
Canberra is poised to provide AU$600 million over the next decade for the proposed club, contingent upon the PNG government refraining from entering a security agreement with China.
The Australian government perceives this offer as a form of “soft power,” taking advantage of the deep-rooted enthusiasm for rugby league in Papua New Guinea.
However, the effectiveness of this plan remains uncertain.
Gordon Peake, affiliated with the US Institute of Peace and an expert on PNG, shared his thoughts on the initiative. He noted that while Papua New Guineans have a profound affection for rugby league, the link between sports support and political maneuvering raises questions. He remarked that Australia’s commitment to helping PNG join the NRL should be viewed as a generous and potentially costly gesture on Canberra’s part.
Peake emphasized that the conditions surrounding the funding are politically charged rather than rooted in sports. The Australian offer is reportedly linked to PNG’s commitment to avoiding a policing defense agreement with China.
When asked if the initiative can succeed, Peake expressed skepticism, citing the dual nature of the undertaking — support for rugby league contrasted with the complexities of international relations involving China. He questioned how these objectives could coexist effectively.
Moreover, there is concern that if the initiative collapses, it could dishearten rugby league fans in PNG who have become excited about the possibility of the new club. Peake recalled that his research, which included interviews in Port Moresby, revealed not only a love for the sport but also public concerns regarding the significant financial investment relative to pressing needs in health and education.
Peake concluded that both Australia and PNG have considerable stakes in the initiative continuing successfully. The failure of the project could result in a loss of face for both parties.
When asked about the general state of soft power in the Pacific, Peake noted that while such initiatives are becoming more common, none have matched the scale of the proposed rugby league support.
In a broader international context, Peake suggested that China may view Australia’s rugby league proposal as an inefficient use of resources for soft power, especially in comparison to its focus on scholarships and educational exchanges with Pacific nations.