Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has hailed the official identity and inaugural jersey unveiling of the Papua New Guinea Chiefs as a monumental milestone for national unity, youth empowerment, and the enduring geopolitical partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia.
Speaking at a prestigious unveiling ceremony at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby, which was attended by Australian Foreign Minister Senator Hon. Penny Wong, visiting Australian dignitaries, rugby league executives, and major corporate partners, Prime Minister Marape emphasized that the PNG Chiefs’ official entry into the National Rugby League (NRL) in 2028 extends far beyond a sports franchise.
“This is not just another sports business. This is about uniting the most diverse nation on the face of planet Earth,” Prime Minister Marape stated. “Sports and music unite society. Rugby league is our national sport, and through the PNG Chiefs, we have an opportunity to bring our people together behind one team, one nation, and one common purpose.”
The Prime Minister extended profound gratitude to the Australian Government and Australian taxpayers for their decisive backing in securing PNG’s historic NRL dream. He highlighted that the project reflects a deep bilateral relationship built on shared geography, mutual sacrifice, and historical ties dating long before Papua New Guinea's independence in 1975.
“We are bound by geography; we are bound by history, and what we are doing today is securing that future for our children,” said Prime Minister Marape. “I want to thank the Australian Government and every Australian taxpayer for making this dream possible. Your investment is not in vain. It will be returned many times over through stronger relationships between our governments, businesses, and, most importantly, our people.”
Evoking the shared history of both nations, Prime Minister Marape recalled an account from an elderly village chief at Isurava along the Kokoda Track, noting that Papua New Guineans who protected Australian soldiers during the 1942 Kokoda campaign did so out of a shared defense of their homeland. “As it was during the war, we will always be there for Australia. Our two nations must continue walking together into the future,” he added.
The Prime Minister paid special tribute to Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) Chairman Peter V’landys and the NRL executive body for embracing the Pacific expansion initiative.
Reflecting on PNG's foundational efforts to enter the premier competition, Prime Minister Marape noted his involvement with the government in 2008 under founding Prime Minister Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, whose initial vision utilized rugby league to galvanize national solidarity.
A key highlight of the franchise development was the direct involvement of local children in selecting the team’s identity and jersey design:
Youth-Driven Design: The team logo, colors, and identity were co-selected by the next generation of Papua New Guineans.
Cultural Heritage: The inaugural jersey features bespoke artwork by celebrated Papua New Guinean artist Tabu Pelei Warupi, reflecting the nation's diverse heritage.
Leadership Core: Strategic operations are led by PNG Chiefs Chair Catherine Harris, Chief Executive Officer Lorna McPherson, and inaugural Head Coach Willie Peters.
Sharing his own personal trajectory from a remote village in PNG where he did not learn English until Grade Eight, Prime Minister Marape used the platform to inspire youth across the nation's 800+ linguistic groups.
“Where you start in life does not matter as much as how you finish the race. Find a sport, find a passion, find a purpose in life, and contribute to uniting this beautiful diversity that we call Papua New Guinea,” the Prime Minister urged. “One nation, one people, one country, one team. That spirit will live forever. The PNG Chiefs belong to you and to the generations who will follow.”