Australia and Papua New Guinea are united by our love of Rugby League. This is why I am delighted to announce the Australian Government is supporting a PNG team to join the National Rugby League competition from 2028. The new team will belong to the people of Papua New Guinea. It will call Port Moresby home. And I know it will have millions of proud fans barracking for it, from day one. Our Pacific Rugby League Partnership will also deepen Australia’s sporting connections more broadly in the Pacific. We are the nearest of neighbours and truest of friends. As Prime Minister Marape has said, Australia is Papua New Guinea’s security partner of choice. We are honoured to carry that responsibility and to reflect this across the length and breadth of our relationship.
