Papua New Guinea is reportedly set to become the NRL’s 19th franchise, with an in-principle agreement being brokered between the Australian Rugby League Commission and the federal government.
That is according to The Daily Telegraph, who are reporting Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is backing a 10-year, AUD$600 million funding plan to bring PNG into the NRL.
PNG are set to enter the first grade competition in 2028, following the Western Bears’ introduction only 12 months earlier as the 18th franchise.
The ARLC are reportedly pleased with the government’s funding, which will see the PNG outfit be backed by the Australian government until 2037.
The Pacific NRL side will reportedly be announced after the grand final, with a celebration to take place during Australian PM XIII’s clash with PNG in Port Moresby.
PNG won’t be the only team to receive funding, with a AUD$60 million license fee to be shared across the 17 clubs in the competition ahead of their entry.
Port Moresby will be the headquarters of the new franchise, with a ‘mini-city’ built for rugby league purposes to be built to house the players and their families.
Albanese said to News Corp that this is a game changer for their relationship with Papua New Guinea.
He said the aim would be for any government funding to be aimed at economic development in schools.
The NRL will also reportedly sit down with the PNG government, with potential tax incentives to be put in place to entice players to make the move.
[Source: Fox Sports]
