The Papua New Guinea National Rugby League team’s official name, “CHIEFS,” was unveiled by Prime Minister James Marape during the PM’s XIII event in October 2025. Rugby league stands as the national sport of Papua New Guinea, fostering unity within a culturally diverse nation. The recent visit of the Brisbane Broncos NRL and NRL Women’s teams highlighted the shared enthusiasm for the sport between Papua New Guinea and Australia.
Debates surrounding Papua New Guinea’s bid for an NRL team and Australia’s backing have sparked interest, particularly regarding public sentiment. In an effort to understand the opinions of the youth, the University of Papua New Guinea conducted its second annual student survey as part of the 2025 UPNG survey, focusing on the NRL bid.
Out of nearly 400 students surveyed from the School of Business and Public Policy, opinions were split. Approximately 42% expressed support (either very supportive or supportive) for the bid, while 47% showed opposition (not very supportive or not supportive at all). Notably, responses varied significantly between genders; 49% of male students favored the bid compared to just 27% of female students, highlighting a substantial difference in perspectives.
The students were also queried about the Australian government’s offer of $AUD600 million to facilitate this NRL bid. A significant majority, 71%, deemed the investment misguided, arguing that these funds could address more urgent needs within the country. Among male students, only a third viewed the investment positively, whereas just 16% of female students shared this sentiment, again illustrating a pronounced gender divide.
While many students acknowledged the potential economic benefits and tourism boost a PNG NRL team could bring, numerous responses criticized the allocation of funds, pointing out that PNG is not sufficiently prepared for an NRL franchise, and advocating for expenditures to address pressing local issues instead.
Despite mixed feelings regarding the NRL bid, it is anticipated that once the PNG NRL team commences play, UPNG students will rally in support of their team, reflecting a passion for rugby league that transcends their concerns. The survey responses underline the ongoing socio-economic challenges faced by many in Papua New Guinea, illustrating a complex interplay between national pride in rugby and the realities of local needs.
This ongoing dialogue about the NRL bid continues to bring attention to the hopes and needs of the Papua New Guinean people, merging their love for sport with the imperative for sustainable development. The future of rugby in PNG holds promise, and as the nation progresses, there is optimism that the dreams surrounding the NRL team can coexist with advancements in addressing fundamental challenges.
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