Papua New Guinea’s push to become the National Rugby League’s next expansion franchise has been described as a nation-building project that will transform education, unity, and economic growth — not just sport — during a lively Q&A session at the PNG Investment Conference in Sydney today.

Moderated by acclaimed Australian broadcaster Tracey Spicer, the discussion brought together Prime Minister Hon. James Marape and Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V’landys, who both declared rugby league a powerful diplomatic and social tool binding the two nations.

V’landys opened by stressing that sport is a unifying force that has already deepened the Australia–PNG relationship.

“Sport is underrated and how powerful sport is. Sport glues communities together. And in this case, it’s glued our countries together,”V’landys said.

He revealed the moment the plan accelerated — a surprise phone call from PM Marape.

“The Prime Minister called me and I was in the middle of a commission meeting…

“He said, Peter, we want a PNG side. The more I thought of it, the more sense it made.”

But for him, the greatest value is education.

“If we can take high-profile rugby league players into the schools and compel the kids to go to school, that will change Papua New Guinea forever… Education is central to any success.”

V’landys said rugby could keep young people away from crime and drugs by giving them hope and belonging.

Spicer asked what the NRL expansion means for PNG’s youth. PM Marape was emphatic.

“There’s a future ahead of them. There’s a country that remains united — one nation, one country, one people, one team,’ PM Marape said. There’s a country that remains united — one nation, one country, one people, one team. It’s just not rugby, but people, focus, determination, growth, future. That’s what this team will do to our country.”

PM Marape also forecast enormous audience demand and commercial potential. “If one million of our three million mobile subscribers pay K100 each, that’s K100 million raised for the team. I hope we will bring more than 10 million viewers into the sport.”

V’landys agreed, likening PNG’s potential to India’s cricket explosion. “Rugby league in PNG could become like cricket is in India — a billion-dollar industry.”

Addressing critics of the $600 million facility investment, PM Marape said no other development priorities are compromised. “The money wasn’t there right from the start. If there was no NRL, that investment would not have come. This is not just rugby league — it’s a national transformation project.”

He cited Deloitte estimates showing the NRL expansion could boost PNG’s GDP by 1% annually from 2028, while supporting hotels, airlines and tourism.

Concerns about player safety were dismissed by V’landys:“I have no concern…If you go to the wrong area in Sydney or Chicago, you’re in trouble. It’s the same everywhere.”

PM Marape said a 20,000–25,000-seat stadium expansion is planned, with a 40,000- seat national stadium in the next decade. “Players will be treated as rock stars… Port Moresby will be transformed into a safe, liveable city.”

Spicer highlighted the importance of women’s participation in reducing gender- based violence.

PM Marape pointed to a recent milestone in PNG’s domestic competition: “The husband was proud of his wife playing and captaining the team. For me, that’s a testament to the transition taking place in the minds of young people.”

V’landys said women’s rugby league is one of the sport’s biggest growth opportunities.

“It’s entertaining, respected, and powerful in changing attitudes.”

PM Marape invoked Nelson Mandela’s use of rugby to unite South Africa. “Politics divide. Churches divide. Business divides. Behind our team, we will find unity.”

He said weekly national focus on the team would bind the country and propel other sports.

Both leaders urged business leaders to seize the moment.

PM Marape pitched a major sponsorship drive: “We are looking for 100 companies at K1 million each, and one million people at K100 each — do your mathematics.”

V’landys reinforced confidence in PNG and its leadership. “You’ve got a once-in- a-generation visionary in the Prime Minister. The best investment the NRL will ever make is PNG.”

Spicer closed by declaring PNG’s upcoming team will be her “second team”.

The Q&A showcased what both leaders called a historic sporting, economic and social partnership.

As PM Marape summed up: “This is investment in return to people. And in 50 years, we will look back and say this was the turning point.”