Andrew Abdo, CEO of the NRL, has pledged to increase rugby league matches in Papua New Guinea, including NRL and NRLW games, as part of a strategic expansion plan. Negotiations for significant governmental funding are ongoing, with hopes to announce a PNG team in the near future, potentially becoming the 19th NRL side by 2028.
Andrew Abdo, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Rugby League (NRL), has committed to increasing the frequency of top-level rugby league matches in Papua New Guinea (PNG), including games from both the NRL and the NRL Women’s (NRLW) competition. This initiative is part of a strategic expansion plan aimed at establishing a PNG team within the NRL framework. Reports from the Sydney Morning Herald indicate that the NRL is eager to bring high-caliber rugby league games to PNG, a nation that boasts a passionate following for the sport, ahead of its anticipated inclusion in the league’s future expansions. Currently, discussions surrounding a significant Australian government funding of $600 million over the next decade for establishing an NRL franchise in PNG are reportedly progressing towards a formal announcement. On a recent visit to Port Moresby, Abdo participated in the Prime Minister’s XIII event, where the Australian team triumphed with a score of 42-20 against a local invitational side. During his address, he anticipated the hosting of regular international matches and a potential inclusion of NRL and NRLW engagements in PNG over the forthcoming years. Notably, PNG is set to host several fixtures as part of the 2026 men’s and women’s Rugby League World Cups. Furthermore, Abdo expressed the NRL’s desire for increased content in PNG, stating, “We want more and more content here, so we’ll be bringing and thinking about more and more games – international games, Test matches and potentially an NRL and NRLW game for sure”. He emphasized the extensive collaborative effort undertaken by both Australia and Papua New Guinea to realize this vision and hinted at an impending announcement regarding this initiative. Peter V’landys, the Chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission, has consistently advocated for the establishment of an NRL franchise in PNG as part of a federal ‘soft diplomacy’ initiative in the Pacific region amidst growing competition from China. Reports also suggest that PNG is poised to become the NRL’s 19th team, potentially securing a license to enter the competition by 2028. Although the bid from the Western Bears consortium for the 18th club recently faltered, PNG’s aspirations for entry into the NRL remain steadfast and on track.
The NRL has been exploring opportunities to expand its presence in international territories, particularly in strongly rugby league-enthusiastic regions like Papua New Guinea. The PNG national team has historically performed with distinction in international competitions, fostering a robust local fan base eager for more elite-level rugby league action. This push for expansion also reflects the Australian government’s interest in deepening diplomatic ties and influence in the Pacific through sports. By working towards establishing an NRL franchise in PNG, the NRL aims not only to expand its demographic reach but also to strengthen cultural and diplomatic relationships in the region. The projected timeline for this expansion aligns with the sport’s significant upcoming international events, including the Rugby League World Cups.
In conclusion, Andrew Abdo’s commitment to bolstering international rugby league presence in Papua New Guinea underscores the NRL’s strategic vision for expansion in the region. With ongoing discussions regarding substantial governmental support, the prospect of establishing a PNG NRL franchise appears promising. This initiative is expected to enhance local interest in the sport while contributing to the mutual diplomatic interests of Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Original Source: www.foxsports.com.au
