The PNG Chiefs have signed Struddys as the club’s inaugural official apparel and kit partner, with the sportswear company to design and manufacture the team’s first playing jerseys and merchandise ahead of its NRL debut in 2028.
Under the landmark partnership, Struddys will exclusively design and manufacture the PNG Chiefs’ inaugural jersey and supply on-field jerseys and merchandise for the club’s first four NRL seasons from 2028 to 2031.
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Struddys will also supply the club’s training, travel, staff, pathways and community program apparel as the PNG Chiefs’ exclusive kit supplier and merchandise partner.
The partnership builds on Struddys’ long-standing involvement in rugby league in Papua New Guinea, including its relationships with the PNG Hunters, PNG Kumuls and Orchids national teams and Digicel ExxonMobil Cup teams.
PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson in a statement last Friday, September 25, said Struddys would hold a unique place in the club’s history as its first official apparel partner and jersey designer.
“As a club, we have so many unique first moments and seeing our first jersey proudly being worn by Papua New Guineans right across the country is going to be one of the most special moments we will have,” McPherson said.
“Struddys will forever be the first apparel partner of the PNG Chiefs, and we are delighted to have them on board with our club to create something truly powerful.
“Struddys has shown a great knowledge and commitment to rugby league in Papua New Guinea through its work with our domestic and international teams, and we are very proud that they will be part of how our club shows itself to the world.”
Struddys CEO Jacob Strudwick said the partnership aligned with the company’s history and connection to rugby league.
“There is so much about this partnership that aligns and just makes sense,” Strudwick said.
“Struddys was founded in 1975, the same year Papua New Guinea gained independence. Rugby league has run deep through both our veins for over 50 years.
“Our culture and values have been shaped by the game – from grassroots and community rugby league through to the semi-professional and international stage.”
Strudwick said Struddys was excited to join the PNG Chiefs as the club prepares to enter the NRL.
“Now, the time has arrived for both Struddys and the PNG Chiefs to step onto the NRL stage, and we couldn’t be more excited to be part of this historic journey,” he said.
“To know Struddys will be there from the very beginning, helping create the first jerseys that will represent the PNG Chiefs, their supporters, and the people of Papua New Guinea, is incredibly special.”
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He said the company looked forward to producing apparel that supporters across the country could proudly wear.
The long-term partnership also includes match-day signage, hospitality, digital integration and engagement with the PNG Chiefs’ leadership and business network.