Prime Minister Hon. James Marape today described the entry of the PNG Chiefs into Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL) competition as a historic milestone that will transform Papua New Guinea not only in sport, but across the economy and national identity.
Speaking at a press conference held this week at the Santos National Football Stadium, Prime Minister Marape officiated alongside PNG Chiefs Board Members and Executives, Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Justin Tkatchenko, and NCD Governor Hon. Powes Parkop. The event also marked the official opening of the PNG Chiefs’ new Office Complex at the Stadium.
Prime Minister Marape said in a statement the PNG Chiefs’ entry into the professional National Rugby League in 2028 would be “a complete lifetime readjustment” for Port Moresby and the country.
“This is not just a Rugby League team. This is a National Strategy to unite the most diverse nation on planet Earth,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“With over 800 languages and distinct tribal identities, sport becomes the universal language that binds us together. Rugby League is our number one sport. To compete in the world’s premier Rugby League competition is important for our nation.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that from 2028 onward, PNG would experience a sustained economic uplift driven by regular international visitors.
“By 2028 onwards, every second week we must be ready to host between 3,000 to 5,000 visitors coming to watch our team play,” he said.
“This is not like APEC or a one-off event. This is a perpetual adjustment to our city and our country. If we host a Semi-Final game here, we could see 10,000 to 20,000 visitors coming in.”
Prime Minister Marape said this would require improvements in city planning, safety, hospitality services, aviation, and tourism infrastructure.
He highlighted ongoing investments including road connectivity between Port Moresby and Alotau, airport upgrades, and tourism site development.
“Visitors will not just come for one game and fly out the next day. They will travel our highways, visit our provinces, and experience our tourism potential. There is a whole economy behind what we are putting into place,” he said.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to the vision first initiated under founding Prime Minister Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare in 2008.
“I was in Cabinet in 2008 when the first concept was put on the table. This is not just a James Marape project. It has been in the clockwork for some time,” he said. “It belongs truly to the people of this country.”
He also thanked the Australian Government and NRL leadership for partnering with PNG in making the dream a reality.
“This is not just a sports business. This is a national unity strategy that will play rugby league,” Prime Minister Marape stated.
In outlining Government’s commitment, the Prime Minister confirmed that K100 million was invested last year into the Centre of Excellence, with a further K100 million allocated this year.
“Our government is putting our money where our mouth is. Chairlady don’t worry about money — money will come. We are showing our commitment up front,” he said.
He further announced a major incentive to attract top-tier international talent.
“To the Players and Coaches out there — any salary you are contracted to is not taxable. From Players to Coaches to Technical staff, your contracted salary will be tax-free,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape commended PNG Chiefs Board Chair Catherine Harris, CEO Lorna McPherson, General Manager Michael Chammas, Board Member Ian Tarutia, and Board Member and Rugby League legend Marcus Bai for their leadership.
“The Team must be institutionalized. The Team must be bigger than James Marape. The Team must be bigger than Anthony Albanese. The Team is PNG,” he said. “This is an intergenerational, life-changing, national transformational project.”
He described Rugby League as a “uniting factor” that carries the spirit of “One Flag, One Nation, One Country, One People, One Team” — a rallying cry that will define the PNG Chiefs.
“This is about making the dream come true,” Prime Minister Marape said. “We are not just running onto the field in 2028. We are competing. And we are preparing to win.”
The Prime Minister concluded by reiterating that the PNG Chiefs represent far more than sport.
“This Team will live beyond all of us. PNG will live on. And this Team will stand as a symbol of unity, ambition, and national pride for generations to come.”