Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has officially unveiled the inaugural board of Papua New Guinea’s National Rugby League (NRL) team and launched a national competition to name the team and compose its theme song, declaring the moment as “historic for sport and nation.”
The announcement was made during a packed press conference held at the Santos National Football Stadium, attended by dignitaries from both Papua New Guinea and Australia, executives from the National Rugby League, and media personnel.
“This is more than just sport—it’s our national unification project,” Prime Minister Marape told the gathering, drawing applause as he invoked Nelson Mandela’s use of rugby to unite South Africa. “One team, one people, one nation—that is the vision behind our NRL team.”
He was joined by Australia’s Minister for the Pacific, Hon. Pat Conroy, who praised the initiative as “visionary” and likened it to the iconic 1975 partnership between Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and former Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam.
“This team has been talked about for decades,” said Minister Conroy. “But it’s only through the leadership and vision of Prime Minister Marape, and the support of Prime Minister Albanese, that it’s becoming a reality. It’s about jobs, tourism, unity and pride—this will go down in history.”
Board Unveiled to Lead PNG’s Entry into NRL
Prime Minister Marape formally announced the members of the inaugural PNG NRL Team Board, emphasising their combined experience in business, sport, and leadership:
• Mr Ray Dib – Chairman, former Canterbury-Bankstown Chairman and respected rugby league administrator
• Ms Lorna McPherson – Long-time rugby league official and community leader
• Mr Stan Joyce – Former SP Brewery Managing Director and rugby supporter
• Mr Richard Pegum – Chairman of Mayur Resources and financial expert
• Mr Ian Tarutia – Leading voice in the PNG private sector
• Mr Wapu Sonk – Managing Director of Kumul Petroleum and Chair of the PNG NRL Bid Team
• Mr Marcus Bai – Former Kumuls captain and one of PNG’s most celebrated rugby league players
“The two governments will support from the sidelines, but will not interfere,” Prime Minister Marape stressed. “This is a sports business, and it must be run professionally.”
He credited the efforts of the bid team, including Wapu Sonk, Ian Tarutia, Lorna McPherson, and others who had worked tirelessly to bring the franchise to this stage.
Naming and Theme Song Competition Launched
Prime Minister Marape also launched a nationwide team naming and theme song competition, calling on the country to unite behind the identity of the new team.
“The name must unite us, tell our story, and reflect our past, present and future,” he said. “It must also resonate with our Australian friends—it must become every Aussie’s second team.”
He tasked the newly formed board, especially Ms Lorna McPherson, to lead the engagement campaign on social media and in communities.
“We are a democracy. The name must have the support of 60 to 70 per cent of our population,” Prime Minister Marape added.
Reflecting on PNG’s shared history with Australia, the Prime Minister recalled an emotional moment from his 2024 Kokoda Trail trek with Prime Minister Albanese. He shared a conversation with a local chief at Isurava, who explained why his people chose to support the Australians during WWII.
“He told me, ‘We had no choice but to defend our territory.’ That story remains with me. It reminds us of where we come from and why we must build a future together.”
Australian Government: Jobs, Unity, and a Shared Legacy
Minister Conroy confirmed that the Australian Government will invest over A$600 million into PNG rugby league, infrastructure, and franchise development over the next 10 years.
“This is not just sport—it’s economic development and national building,” he said. “We expect over 5,000 Papua New Guineans to be employed directly through this initiative, from stadium upgrades to managing the team.”
He said thousands of Australians would travel to Port Moresby every year to watch games, boosting the tourism sector and people-to-people ties.
“This team will not just compete. It will dominate. It will make Penrith look like minnows,” Conroy joked to loud applause, referencing the strength of PNG’s player base and fan passion. “The names Marape and Albanese will be remembered in history, just like Somare and Whitlam.”
Infrastructure and Road Connectivity
Prime Minister Marape revealed that infrastructure planning is already underway to support game-day logistics. Roads from the Highlands, Morobe and Alotau into Port Moresby will be upgraded to allow easy access to the stadium.
“By 2028, fans will drive in, watch the game, and return home. We are building not just a team, but a nation,” he said.
The Santos National Football Stadium will host the team in its early years, with the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium set to become the permanent home.