Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Brisbane Broncos for sending both senior men’s and women’s players to Papua New Guinea this week to inspire young people through sport.
The visiting contingent included men’s team stars Adam Reynolds (Captain), Ben Hunt, and Ezra Mam, along with women’s team players Romy Teitzel, Jada Ferguson, and Shenae Ciesiolka.
Celebrating Sport as A Pathway for Youth
Prime Minister Marape said the Broncos’ tour — which covers Tari, Mount Hagen, Goroka, and Port Moresby — was about much more than displaying the 2025 NRL Premiership Trophy.
“We deeply appreciate the Brisbane Broncos taking time out of their off-season to travel across our country. Their presence shows commitment not just to rugby league but to the potential of our youth,” Prime Minister Marape said.
He noted that the visit coincided with a government-hosted dinner honouring PNG’s champion basketball teams — the men’s team who won gold and the women’s team who won silver at the Melanesian Cup 2025, both now qualified for the Pacific Games 2027.
“It was a moment of unity,” the Prime Minister said. “Our national basketball players and visiting Broncos shared one stage, showing that all sports matter, not just one code.”
A Message of Discipline and Focus
Prime Minister Marape also quoted rising NRL star Ezra Mam, who encouraged young athletes to remain steadfast:
“Stay disciplined, remain focused, remain committed — and keep working hard; it will get you there in your sport,” Ezra Mam said.
“That message resonates deeply,” the Prime Minister added. “To all the youths of our country: sport is an avenue where we want to find you and meet you. We are re- introducing comprehensive sports education in our school system so that every school across our nation embraces sport in all its forms.”
Government Support for School-Based Sports Development
Prime Minister Marape said the Government is committed to building sport at the grassroots level.
“Sport development must begin in our schools. Not all children are born to be scientists or academics — some are gifted in sport, music, or art. Our schools must be campuses that nurture every child’s natural talent,” he said.
“While rugby league remains our national sport, every other discipline — basketball, soccer, volleyball, athletics, swimming, weightlifting and more — must be supported and celebrated.”
He explained that the Government’s new school-based sports programme will roll out nationwide in 2026, ensuring every school has structured sport and physical education as part of its curriculum.
Appreciation For the Broncos’ Commitment
“I thank the Broncos players for leaving the comfort of their homes and off-season activities to travel into the heart of Papua New Guinea — from Hela to the Highlands to Port Moresby — to inspire our children. Your visit will leave a lasting impact on our young people,” Prime Minister Marape said.
The Broncos’ visit forms part of the NRL’s ongoing partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea and local communities, using sport as a bridge of friendship and opportunity.
The Prime Minister also reaffirmed the nation’s pride in its basketball champions, whose recent achievements mark a new chapter in PNG’s sporting journey toward the 2027
Pacific Games.