In a landmark, world first sports diplomacy deal, the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) has confirmed an agreement with the Australian Government to fund a 10-year Pacific Rugby League Partnership.
The Pacific Pacific Rugby League Partnership will support investment into grassroots, pathways and elite rugby league across Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Samoa and Fiji. It will also support the introduction of a PNG-based NRL side as part of a future expanded NRL Telstra Premiership.
ARLC Chairman Peter V'landys AM said the deal was a watershed moment for rugby league and the Pacific region.
"This is an historic step for Rugby League, Australia, PNG and the entire Pacific," Mr V'landys said.
"Rugby league is the number one sport in the Pacific. This new Club will solidify Rugby league's role as the unifying language of our region."
V'landys said the funding would be directed into programs that would transform lives and communities across the Pacific.
"Roughly half the funding in this historic agreement with the Federal Government will go to grassroots football and community programs in PNG. It will also flow across the Pacific, including to Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.
"The Pacific Rugby League Partnership will help improve school retention, foster national cohesion, and provide opportunities for young people to be their best selves. We know when rugby league is on the curriculum, kids go to school - and that changes lives.
"Rugby league isn't just sport, it's a social force for good - a way to improve lives and build stronger communities.
"The new PNG team provides the NRL with a new 10 million+ audience many who will go from being causal fans into engaged fans.
"Just as importantly the pathways investments will provide many new and exciting players to the game.
"I thank Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, PNG Prime Minister James Marape, Pat Conroy and their respective governments for having the vision to understand rugby league's unique capacity to bind and build communities."
