“Everyone knows the reason why”: Albanese confirms PNG to join NRL in 2028

THE addition of a Papua New Guinean NRL team in 2028 has far reaching geopolitical implications, journalist Damian Ryan has confirmed.

In a Sydney press conference, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape confirmed the NRL’s long-rumoured historic expansion into Australia’s nearest neighbour.

The yet-to-be-named PNG-side will be based out of Port Moresby, with a joint investment from both governments to fund the side initially, helping to develop junior pathways and a compound for players and staff to live in.

Damian Ryan has revealed the country’s love of rugby league was the key factor for the Australian government to secure the region’s long-term safety.

“They refuse to confirm but everyone knows the reason why is PNG… have big brother China looming large in the South Pacific region and clearly that is one of the key reasons here, to counter China’s growing influence in the South Pacific,” Ryan told SEN 1170 Mornings.

“That part of the world loves rugby league. It’s the only country where it’s their national sport.

“They always say politics and sport shouldn’t mix but when you’ve two Prime Ministers talking about introducing a football team into a competition, it certainly does mix.”

Ryan also confirmed that the Australian Government have an escape clause, should Papua New Guinea agree to a security or policing pact with rival nations over the next decade.

“The 600 million dollars the government is putting up to assist this development of a football team out of Port Moresby will kick off as soon as they sign this contract today, the money will start flowing right away,” Ryan said.

“There is an escape clause here if things don’t work out and they don’t attract the players and there’s any problems down the line. For instance, if China starts creeping into PNG, the Australian Government has the power to withdraw from this deal.

“They’ve made it clear that this is the way they want to see things roll.”

There are no details about the make-up of the team itself as of yet.

BY SEN / SAM KOSACK