PNG Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko says China did not influence NRL deal

Australia’s $600m pledge for a Papua New Guinea rugby league team had ‘absolutely nothing’ to do with China’s growing influence, the Foreign Minister claims.

The Foreign Minister of Papua New Guinea insists growing Chinese influence in the Pacific had “absolutely nothing” to do with the decision by the Albanese government to spend $600 million establishing an NRL team in Port Moresby.
In an exclusive interview, Justin Tkatchenko told The Sunday Telegraph: “We’ve been working on this for 20 years. China was never a part of that, at all. China has only come up recently. You can forget that completely.

“This was all about the game, the sport and getting us into the NRL.

“We have a Labor government and a Papua New Guinea government that have never been stronger in their relationship. It is a dream come true … for millions of Papua New Guineans” Mr Tkatchenko said.

The historic deal between PNG and Australia was signed after neighbouring nation the Solomon Islands severed ties with Taiwan and signed a major security agreement with China.

Papua New Guinea’s Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko.

With the NRL’s 18th side due to enter the competition in 2028, rugby league administrators are faced with the colossal task of luring star players and officials to Port Moresby, and building a $150 million compound.
One of the major incentives is the offer of tax-free salaries, which Mr Tkatchenko confirmed had passed through his parliament last year.
“All developing countries have their issues. It only takes one to spoil it,” he said. “But we are working very much on our law and order situation.

“There will be incentives as well with accommodation, security that we will provide as well.

“The doors are open for those who want to be part of this historic team.”

Several NRL stars have backed the concept, including Manly captain Daly Cherry-Evans, who recently said he was “really confident that whatever happens with PNG is going to be player-safe and a professional environment. I definitely think tax-free dollars will resonate with a lot of people and I think that will entice a few players to play for PNG.”

Mr Tkatchenko and PNG Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso. Picture: Gary Ramage

Part of the 10-year commitment from Australia is to expand junior pathways and encourage children to attend school by being involved with rugby league.

Last year the nation also had its first ever schoolboys and schoolgirls championship.

PNG is the only nation on earth to have rugby league as its national sport, with millions of fans streaming games.

“State of Origin is like the holy grail when it comes to rugby league,” Mr Tkatchenko said.

“But it’s also good when we have an (NRL) inclusion, just like Justin Olam … you see a lot of Papua New Guineas supporting those teams.

“So now we can have our own team where it unites everybody to support all our players going forward.”

Originally published as PNG Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko says China did not influence NRL deal