Salaries and benefits for players and officials of the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Chiefs rugby team will be exempt from taxes, according to Prime Minister James Marape. This decision aims to attract top talent as the Chiefs prepare to join the National Rugby League (NRL) in the 2028 season. During the official opening of the Chiefs’ headquarters in Port Moresby, Marape highlighted this unprecedented incentive, emphasizing that all contracted personnel—including players, coaches, and technical staff—will enjoy tax-free salaries.
The new headquarters is located on the first floor of the Santos National Football Stadium, and Marape was joined at the event by the new Chiefs chairperson, Catherine Harris, and general manager, Michael Chammas. He further expressed that individuals involved with the Chiefs, including those connected to the SP PNG Hunters, will benefit from the same tax exemptions.
Marape reassured attendees that the partnership with the NRL remains strong, emphasizing that the Chiefs are not dependent on sponsors. He remarked, “The umbilical cord is not yet cut,” reflecting confidence in the close ties between the Chiefs and the NRL. He acknowledged that while the Australian league has a deeper understanding of professional rugby operations, their support serves as a crucial foundation for the growth of the Chiefs during this formative phase.
The government is also collaborating with the National Capital District Commission to enhance safety, cleanliness, and hospitality in Port Moresby for anticipated international visitors during the Chiefs’ home games. There are plans in place for improving tourism infrastructure in Central and Milne Bay, allowing visitors to experience more of the unique culture and beauty of Papua New Guinea.
The initiative to make salaries tax-free is being viewed as a potentially transformative move that could significantly affect recruitment in a highly competitive NRL environment. The entry of the PNG Chiefs into the NRL is poised to become a significant milestone in the country’s sports history.
Key figures at the event included PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson, board members Marcus Bai, Ian Tarutia, and Richard Pegum, PNG Rugby Football League chairman Stanis Tsaka, and Australian High Commissioner Ewen McDonald. This strategic development signifies a hopeful future for rugby in Papua New Guinea as it seeks to elevate its presence on the international sports scene.
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