PNG set to announce NRL Team board and launch public naming competition

Preparations for the Papua New Guinea Team in National Rugby League competition has taken a major step forward with Prime Minister James Marape set to officially announce the inaugural PNG NRL Team Board and Chairman, ahead of the country’s entry into NRL.

The announcement will be made in the presence of Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V’landys and Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy.

The event signifies a deepening of sporting and diplomatic ties between PNG and Australia and will formally establish the leadership group responsible for managing PNG’s first-ever NRL franchise.

In addition to the board announcement, a nationwide fan competition will be launched to decide the official name of the PNG NRL team—giving the public a unique opportunity to take part in shaping the team’s identity.

The naming competition is expected to ignite national excitement as rugby league remains the country’s most beloved sport.

PNG’s bid to join the NRL has been strongly backed by both the PNG and Australian Governments, with the franchise seen as a symbol of national unity and Pacific partnership.

Further details about the board members, team development timeline, and naming competition process are expected to be released at the official announcement.