What you need to know about the ARLC Pacific Rugby League Partnership

The Australian Rugby League Commission has announced a landmark new Pacific Rugby League Partnership in a world-first sports diplomacy partnership with the Australian Government.

Here's everything you need to know about the historic announcement. 

What is the Pacific Rugby League Partnership?

The 10-year 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 an expanded NRL Telstra Premiership.

Rugby league is the No.1 sport in the Pacific and Thursday's announcement will facilitate further growth in the region. It is a historic moment in world sport, bringing our region together and utilising rugby league’s unique power to act as the unifying language of the Pacific.

The funding provided by the federal government and ARLC will be directed into programs that will 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," ARLC chairman Peter V'landys said. "It will also flow across the Pacific, including to Fiji, Tonga and Samoa."

Why is the NRL expanding into Papua New Guinea? 

PNG is the only country in the world where rugby league is the national sport so it is a natural fit for an NRL team to be based in the nation. Anyone who has watched rugby league games in PNG knows how passionate the supporter base is, with fans turning out in droves to watch the Kumuls play.

The move will allow the NRL to connect with a supporter base of more than 10 million people. 

PNG also has an established talent pathway and a large playing base, with the new team providing an opportunity for youngsters to achieve their NRL dream without being forced to move to Australia. Funding grassroots and pathways is a key focus of the Pacific Rugby League Partnership.

When will the new team come into the competition? 

The new PNG team will come into the NRL in 2028. The timing gives the new franchise three full years to build a high-performance facility, hire a coach, assemble a roster and prepare for their first season in the competition. 

The long-term plan also includes the introduction of an NRLW side at some point in the future.

Where will the side be based? 

The team will be based in the PNG capital of Port Moresby with the squad set to train at a purpose-built facility. They will play at Santos National Stadium, the venue that hosts the annual Prime Minister's XIII match and PNG international Test matches. 

Who will run the team?

The new team is set to be led by former Bulldogs CEO Andrew Hill. The experienced administrator has spearheaded the expansion push as CEO of the PNG NRL Bid. 

Hill has placed a heavy emphasis on establishing a structured talent pipeline over the past few years to ensure the new team enjoys long-lasting success. The official has also built-up commercial relationships in PNG and has considerable experience running elite sports teams.

What are the team's name, logo and colours?

The PNG team will run a national competition to choose a team name, logo and colours that reflect the entire nation.

Officials will consider using the Hunters moniker currently used by the PNG Queensland Cup side however it will be one of multiple options in the public vote. 

Who will play for the team?

The team will be made up of a mix of existing NRL stars, emerging talent and local products. Officials will use the next three years to build out a roster, with players born in PNG or boasting PNG heritage set to be top of the list.

Xavier Coates will no doubt be a target while Alex Johnston returns to PNG regularly to host junior rugby league clinics and is already a fan favourite. The new team could also provide an opportunity for players such as Kumuls star Lachlan Lam to return to the NRL from the UK. 

While much of the attention will be on the big names, the Pacific Rugby League Partnership includes funding for grassroots and pathways in PNG and the Pacific.

The focus in PNG will be on consolidating the talent pipeline to ensure local players have the opportunity to represent the new team in the NRL. 

Who will coach the team?

A coach is yet to be announced, however a number of names have emerged as leading contenders. Jason Demetriou coached the Kumuls in 2025, with Justin Holbrook leading the side last year. The pair have been credited for helping establish and develop pathways in PNG.

Wayne Bennett's name has also been thrown around, however he will be 78 by the time the team plays its first game in 2028. Another name that will likely be discussed is former Kumuls skipper and current Leigh coach Adrian Lam. 

The 54-year-old has thrived as a coach in the UK Super League, winning the 2023 Challenge Cup and could be enticed by the prospect of returning home. 

What is the existing talent pathway in PNG

Rugby league has a passionate playing and supporter base in PNG, with a national competition dating back to 1990. The NRL Bid Academy Tournament was a major success in its first edition this year. 

The tournament's success has come on the back of the appointments of former Parramatta Eels coaching director Joey Grima as Head of Player Pathways and ex-NRL referees boss Tony Archer as GM of Pathways and Performance.

The event will grow in 2025 to involve more teams and more age groups, with player welfare programs and coaching conferences to also expand. Hill has played a key role in establishing the tournaments as a crucial plank in a junior pathways structure based on the successful Penrith Panthers model.

The strength of the talent in the country was on display in October when the Junior Kumuls drew with the Australian Schoolboys 22-22.

The PNG Hunters have also featured in the Queensland Cup since 2013, taking out the 2017 competition and making the preliminary final this year. Wests Tigers star Justin Olam progressed from the PNG national competition to the Hunters before he was signed by the Melbourne Storm and became a regular in the NRL. 

What does this mean for NRL expansion?

The new PNG franchise was the only team announced on Thursday, with further expansion discussions ongoing.

V'landys said conversations with the West Australian Government regarding a team in Perth are continuing and hopes a deal can be finalised in the near future.