NRL PNG expansion: Everything you need to know about Papua New Guinea’s admission

When will Papua New Guinea enter the competition? What are the safety concerns? Which type of player will they be targetting? We answer the burning questions surrounding PNG’s inclusion to the NRL.

PNG has been formally announced as part of an expanded competition on Thursday. These are the questions you need answered.

1. WHEN WILL THEY ENTER THE COMPETITION AND WILL THEY BE TEAM 18 OR 19?

PNG will be in for the 2028 season. There are no plans to fast-track their entry given the uncertainty surrounding WA’s hopes of joining an expanded competition. As it stands all the NRL will announce is that PNG are coming into the competition in 2028. They won’t call them the 18th or 19th team.

Papua New Guinea’s admission into the NRL is set to be formally confirmed on Thursday. Picture: Getty Images

2. WHO IS FUNDING THIS TEAM?

Largely funded by the respective governments. The Australian government is tipping in a mammoth $600 million over 10 years to ensure the team is viable. The PNG government is also coming up with almost $200 million of its own funds to help get the team on the park.

3. WHERE WILL THEY LIVE?

There were a few potential options including basing the team in Cairns. But there is now a strong push for the team to live in Port Moresby. A village will be built for players and they will live in accommodation based on their family situation. It will include all the creature comforts that they are used to try and entice players there.

4. WHO WILL COACH AND LEAD THE CLUB?

Wayne Bennett may be a long shot given he will be 78 by the team is in the competition. Jason Demetriou and Justin Holbrook have an inside running given their links with the PNG national team in recent years. Former Canterbury boss Andrew Hill will be the chief executive and he has done an amazing job to get the bid to a point where they have been given the green light.

PNG NRL bid chairman Wapu Sonk, Prime Minister James Marape and PNG RL chairman Andrew Hill.

5. IS THE TAX FREE CONCESSION REAL?

Yes. PNG are likely to have cabinet approval for players – and potentially staff – to be granted a tax free livelihood should they sign with PNG. It will be a huge bonus for the PNG side as they may otherwise struggle to attract players.

6. WHAT SORT OF PLAYERS DO THEY WANT TO RECRUIT?

PNG internationals including Alex Johnston and Xavier Coates will be realistic targets. But they are planning on dreaming big and making a pitch to Nathan Cleary given his partner Mary Fowler has PNG heritage. A Cleary double? Nathan and Ivan?

They will also take a look at some experienced players who can land one last significant pay day. Otherwise the likes of Kalyn Ponga, Keano Kini Stefano Utoikamanu, Jeremiah Nanai, Blaize Talagi and Dominic Young will be at the top of their list.

Could Mary Fowler help deliver help deliver Nathan Cleary to PNG? Picture: Instagram

7. WHAT PATHWAYS DO THEY HAVE IN PLACE?

They must be commended for the plans they already have in place. Hill has established an academy mirrored on Penrith’s pathway system. They have also conducted a schoolboy tournament for the first time. Ex-NRL assistant coach Joey Grima is leading the coaching development while former top referee Tony Archer is helping with the match officials. About 720 elite players have been identified and take part in training, which is the equivalent to what NRL clubs put their younger players through. It includes a 20-week program and has already cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Last year, the Federal Government gave $5.5 million to help with these programs.

The Junior Kumuls have been impressive in matches against their Australian counterparts. Last year they lost 20-16 against the Lachie Galvin-led Junior Kangaroos while this year they drew 22-all after the Australians scored on the bell.

8. WHAT DO THE CURRENT CLUBS THINK?

There is some resistance around the tax free thresholds. A couple of club bosses were quite vocal against it at the recent CEO’s meeting. But they know they are fighting a losing battle with the NRL pressing ahead with plans.

A state of emergency was declared in January 2024 after a crime spree fuelled by civil unrest. Picture: AFP

9. IS IT SAFE?

PNG has the second-worst crime rate in the world behind Venezuela. Players won’t be able to leave their restricted village freely. Despite this, the locals will treat the players like gods so their safety won’t really be in question. As for visiting teams, they will have security and police escorts and stay in flash hotels. They will be fine.

10. WILL THE NRL GET TO 20 TEAMS?

It’s a maybe at this point. PNG are a lock but WA remains up in the air. A decision on the Western Bears is unlikely before Christmas. It puts the original hope of a team in Perth by 2027 in question. The 20th team is a bit further away with a second team in New Zealand a hope but a long way from being settled.

Originally published as NRL PNG expansion: Everything you need to know about Papua New Guinea’s admission