Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has officially launched the board of Papua New Guinea’s first National Rugby League (NRL) franchise, marking a major milestone in the country’s historic entry into the NRL by 2028. Speaking at the Santos National Football Stadium in front of dignitaries from both PNG and Australia yesterday, Prime Minister Marape described the franchise as a “national unification project” and a symbol of the enduring 50-year partnership between the two countries. “We are using rugby league not just as a sport, but as a strategy to unite our people,” Marape said. “Like Mandela used rugby (union) in South Africa, we are using league to bring together one team, one people, one nation.” The Prime Minister unveiled the inaugural board that will oversee the new PNG NRL team. The board includes:

• Ray Dib (Chairman) – Former Bulldogs CEO and respected rugby league administrator
• Marcus Bai – Former Kumul and long-serving NRL player
• Lorna McPherson – Longtime rugby league advocate
• Stan Joyce – Architect of the PNG SP Hunters program
• Richard Pegum – Chairman of Mayur Resources
• Wapu Sonk – Managing Director of Kumul Petroleum
• Ian Tarutia – Business leader and finance expert

Marape assured the public that the board would operate independently from government, with a focus on transparency and professionalism to ensure long-term success. Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy, praised the partnership and reaffirmed the Australian Government’s A$600 million commitment to the project, calling it “a world-first initiative using sport to unite two nations.” “This is more than a sporting team, it’s a nation-building initiative,” said Conroy. “It will create jobs, boost tourism, and deepen ties between our peoples.” Furthermore, a national competition to name the team and its theme song will be launched soon. Marape called on all Papua New Guineans to participate, encouraging a name that reflects PNG’s shared history with Australia and its vision for unity. “We want every child in PNG and every Australian to see this team as their second team,” he said. With the support of the Australian Rugby League Commission, NRL executives, and stakeholders, PNG’s journey to the NRL is set to be a defining legacy of its 50th year of independence.