MELBOURNE, Australia — In a significant move reflecting regional diplomacy, Papua New Guinea is set to join Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL) starting in 2028. This initiative aims to counterbalance Chinese influence in the South Pacific and will be supported by a substantial investment from the Australian government amounting to 600 million Australian dollars (approximately $380 million) over the next ten years.
The announcement came during a press conference in Sydney featuring Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape. Alongside the rugby league agreement, they also confirmed the activation of a bilateral security deal that had been established a year prior.
In recent years, China has sought to strengthen its ties with Pacific island nations, including Papua New Guinea, through various security pacts, raising concerns among U.S. allies like Australia over potential threats to regional stability. Rugby league holds a special place in the hearts of Papua New Guineans; despite facing numerous challenges such as tribal conflicts and rising crime rates, it remains the nation’s most popular sport.
Marape voiced that the newly established security agreement with Australia aligns well with the objective of providing safe conditions for the players and officials who will be involved with the rugby team, which will be based in the capital, Port Moresby. He stressed the importance of collaboration between the police forces of both nations for maintaining safety.
The joint statement from the two leaders emphasized the importance of consultation regarding security affairs, although Albanese refrained from giving a direct answer on whether this would restrict Papua New Guinea from entering into security agreements with China. Instead, he underscored the principle that regional security primarily belongs to the Pacific community.
Marape clarified that while Australia is his country’s preferred security partner, this engagement does not inhibit Papua New Guinea’s relations with other countries, including China, which serves as a major trading ally. He pointed out the necessity for a strong focus on local security dynamics, asserting that both countries share common responsibilities in protecting and policing their territories.
He characterized the rugby team project as essential for strengthening the bond between Papua New Guinea and Australia, stating that genuine foreign relations hinge on robust people-to-people connections.
The bilateral security agreement cemented Australia as Papua New Guinea’s top security partner, although the initial signing had been delayed by protests related to a different agreement between the U.S. and Papua New Guinea, which had stirred concerns about the sovereignty of the nation.
In addition to the rugby agreement, Australia has pledged to assist Papua New Guinea in enhancing its internal security measures, investing in areas such as policing, judicial systems, and correctional facilities. Notably, Australia has also contributed to the development of a new police training center in Port Moresby, which will welcome recruits from across the Pacific region, reflecting a commitment to regional security and cooperation.
