PNG
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Editorial
Pacific diplomacy
The NRL’s newest recruit PNG is good for sport and Pacific politics
The announcement that a team from Papua New Guinea will enter the NRL competition is a smart play.
- The Herald's View
Analysis
Pacific diplomacy
‘Better than a veto’: NRL soft power play packs a secret punch on China
The announcement of a new NRL team was about so much more than a new NRL team. The setting of the press conference told the story.
- by Matthew Knott
The prime minister, PVL and the president: How PNG made it to the NRL
The PNG prime minister told Australian government leaders he didn’t want a gift to celebrate the country’s independence in 2025 - he just wanted an NRL team. Today he got his wish.
- by Michael Chammas and Chris Barrett
Updated
NRL 2024
Australia signs $600m deal to create PNG NRL team; further expansion could be ‘weeks away’
The deal to establish a PNG team comes with a China “escape clause” for Australia, while ARLC chair Peter V’landys has revealed another NRL license could be granted before Christmas.
- by Matthew Knott, Adrian Proszenko and Michael Chammas
Opinion
Opinion
PNG deal is a bargain, but a NRL match may only be an 80-minute Band-Aid for a troubled country
Papua New Guineans love rugby league. But a NRL team may not supply the benefits that both countries - and the NRL - want.
- by Oliver Nobetau
Analysis
NRL 2024
The NRL is about to hand PNG a team. This is what it means for the game
The NRL will make one of its boldest calls on Thursday when it officially hands PNG a licence. Here’s everything you need to know about the decision.
- by Adrian Proszenko
Opinion
NRL 2025
A PNG team will enter the NRL in 2028. We took $12.5m and built their inaugural roster
It’s real-life fantasy football as the PNG expansion side prepares to start recruiting its top 30 squad. We break down the key elements in building an NRL team from scratch.
- by Dan Walsh
Opinion
Pacific diplomacy
Forget ping-pong. When competing with China, it’s rugby league diplomacy that matters
It’s the ultimate display of soft diplomacy, but when it comes to the brand new NRL team for Papua New Guinea, Australia’s playing hardball with China.
- by Matthew Knott
Exclusive
Pacific diplomacy
PNG minister says $600m NRL deal ‘nothing to do with China’
PNG’s foreign minister said its government had set aside more than $38 million to begin building facilities and a deal could be announced as early as next week.
- by Chris Barrett
Analysis
NRL 2024
Jason Demetriou took Souths to a prelim final two years ago. After Sunday, he will be unemployed
Demetriou was in the NRL coach of the year conversation in 2022. Now his success with Papua New Guinea could help him get his next gig in the league.
- by Christian Nicolussi
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/topic/papua-new-guinea-rugby-league-jrr