John Rosso, Deputy Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea (PNG), has heavily defended a large funding agreement, which is roughly AU$600 million, which will help to establish a PNG-based team in Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL) from 2028, a move that has sparked both excitement and controversy.
The Australian government, via its Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, has been providing for half of this ambitious and goal-oriented deal, and in return, it is not designed to only support a professional rugby league franchise, but it is also created to deepen bilateral ties between Australia and PNG. Rosso described the arrangement as a mutually beneficial partnership that fosters sport, culture, and regional cooperation.
Rugby league holds a unique place in PNG’s national identity, widely recognized as the country’s most popular sport. For decades PNG has sought a place in the NRL, and this agreement finally secures that ambition. The planned franchise, which is known as the PNG Chiefs, will be the league’s 19th team and play home games in Port Moresby.
However, in Australia, this deal has drawn criticism regarding its size as well as structure. Some commentators have questioned the use of taxpayer money for a foreign sports team, especially as the ongoing debates regarding domestic funding priorities have been continuing. Rosso, with confidence, addressed these concerns head-on and urged critics and analysts to see the larger strategic value, including the growth in economy, tourism, and building people-to-people links between the two regions.
Beyond sport, the agreement is part of a much larger and broader geopolitical context in the Pacific, where Australia is keen to strengthen its influence amid growing external interests. While the franchise has sparked a lot of debate and controversy, its proponents see it as a unique blend of sporting passion and diplomacy that could unite diverse communities across PNG’s 1,000 tribes and 800 languages while strengthening ties with Australia.
