Australian Government commits $5.5 million to boost Papua New Guinea pathway to NRL

The Australian Government’s ongoing sporting diplomacy among its neighbours in Oceania has seen Federal Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy announce a $5.5 million funding initiative to support Papua New Guinea's pathway to having a team in Australia's NRL competition.

Visiting Papua New Guinea last week, the investment into PNG’s rugby league pathways, Minister Conroy explained that the funding “will support player pathways and a talent academy for PNG youth, recognising their great potential and passion for the game (and) will also help develop the business case for a PNG team to play in the NRL.

“We supported the PM’s 13 games, and we also announced the support to have annual schools girls and boys in PNG and Australia.”

Noting a vision to see a PNG team enter the NRL competition successfully after 2025, Minister Conroy advised “we want to see that happen and a new NRL team in PNG.”

PNG NRL Bid board Chairman Wapu Sonk said the committees are working on getting the licence in 2025 and vying to participate in 2027.

He added “basically the bid, since April last year when the board of directors were appointed, we have been working with stakeholders and Australia stakeholders, NRL and Australian partners.

“This is the second round and also to get the structures right so it will stand up for the corporate compliance.

“The NRL bid is actually a company we are creating, not just a team. We want to get the governance right.

“Where we are now is the launching. The announcement last year was the expression of desire to have a team in the NRL. Now we are ready to work and start the program.”

Minister Conroy went on to state “(this) 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.”

The Federal Government’s support for the PNG bid is a part of using sporting diplomacy to reinforce historic ties in the South West Pacific.

Images: Federal Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy(holding yellow jersey) in PNG last week (top) and Minister Conroy (below).