NRL CEO Andrew Abdo has pledged to increase the number of elite rugby league matches in Papua New Guinea, including NRL and NRLW games, as part of a potential expansion plan. Discussions regarding significant government funding for an NRL team are underway, aiming for PNG to be the 19th NRL side by 2028, coinciding with the country’s hosting of several World Cup matches.
Andrew Abdo, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Rugby League (NRL), has committed to increasing the frequency of high-level rugby league matches in Papua New Guinea (PNG), including both NRL and NRLW games, as part of a broader initiative for potential expansion into the nation. The Sydney Morning Herald has reported the NRL’s aspiration to introduce elite-level matches in this rugby league fervent country ahead of the anticipated integration of a team from PNG into the competition in the future. Discussions regarding the Australian government’s substantial funding plan—a $600 million investment over ten years for an NRL franchise in PNG—are reportedly progressing towards an official announcement. During a recent visit to Port Moresby for the annual Prime Minister’s XIII match against a PNG invitational team, where the Australian side triumphed 42-20, Abdo met with key political figures from both Australia and PNG. Abdo has projected regular international fixtures and the potential inclusion of NRL and NRLW games in Papua New Guinea over the next few years, coinciding with the staging of the 2026 men’s and women’s World Cups. Papua New Guinea is set to host multiple matches within the World Cup framework, an event initially slated for France, similar to the 2017 World Cup previously held in Australia. In his statement, Abdo expressed, “We want more and more content here, so we will be bringing and thinking about more and more games – international games, Test matches and potentially an NRL and NRLW game for sure.” Abdo acknowledged the collaborative efforts that have led to this initiative, remarking, “We’ve put a lot of hard work in, it’s been the culmination of a lot of effort from a lot of people on both sides – Australia and Papua New Guinea. Hopefully, there will be an announcement soon. As you’ve heard our chairman [Peter V’landys] say this is something that is strategically important for the Australian Rugby League Commission. Expansion and potentially having a team out of Papua New Guinea is definitely exciting for the game.” Peter V’landys, the Chairman of the Australian Rugby League, has been a vigorous proponent for establishing an NRL team in PNG, aligning this endeavor with the federal government’s soft diplomacy strategy in the Pacific region in light of increasing competition from China. Papua New Guinea is anticipated to be designated as the 19th NRL team and is expected to receive a license to participate in the competition by 2028. Although plans for the Western Bears consortium to join the NRL as the 18th club fell through last week, PNG’s bid remains firmly on course for inclusion in the NRL.
The article discusses the NRL’s plans for expansion into Papua New Guinea, which has a strong rugby league culture. NRL CEO Andrew Abdo’s commitment to bringing more games to this nation signals a significant step toward establishing a professional rugby league team there. The Australian government is also involved in funding efforts to support this initiative, demonstrating the strategic importance placed on rugby league within the Pacific region amid global geopolitical shifts.
In conclusion, the NRL’s commitment to expanding its presence in Papua New Guinea represents an important development for rugby league in the Pacific region. With plans to increase the number of top-level matches and potential inclusion of PNG in the NRL competition, this initiative reflects a broader strategy of engagement and support for rugby league’s growth in a country that has shown immense passion for the sport. The anticipated announcement regarding formal expansion efforts further underlines the significance of this move for both the NRL and the PNG rugby league community.
Original Source: www.foxsports.com.au
