Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has welcomed today’s announcement by Australian Minister for Home Affairs, Hon. Tony Burke, MP, of a new NRL-related visa package that will support Papua New Guinea’s historic entry into the National Rugby League (NRL) in 2028 through the PNG Chiefs.
Prime Minister Marape said the visa initiative represents another significant milestone in the deepening partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia, anchored in people-to-people connections, shared values, and the unifying power of sport.
“This new visa arrangement is a practical and meaningful step that supports the historic entry of the PNG Chiefs into the NRL,” Prime Minister Marape said. “It recognises that our NRL journey is not just about a team running onto the field in 2028, but about our people — our players, coaches, officials, media, and fans — being able to participate fully in this shared sporting future.”
Prime Minister Marape said the visa package will make it easier and more affordable for Papua New Guinean nationals associated with the PNG Chiefs to travel to Australia, including players, coaching staff, officials, media representatives, and supporters.
“The PNG Chiefs represent a nation of a thousand tribes coming together as one team,” he said. “This visa initiative ensures that our people can move with that team — to support them, tell their story, and strengthen the people-to-people ties that underpin the Australia–Papua New Guinea relationship.”
He welcomed the announcement that the visa will be offered at a significantly reduced cost for travel connected to the PNG Chiefs, describing it as an important gesture of inclusivity and mutual respect.
Prime Minister Marape also noted that a dedicated website will be established to provide clear information and resources for PNG Chiefs players, staff, officials, fans, and media seeking to apply for visas.
“Initiatives like a dedicated information platform and specialist visa processing teams show foresight and understanding of the scale of this project,” he said. “They reflect a commitment to ensuring that when PNG enters the NRL in 2028, the systems around the team are as strong and professional as the team itself.”
The Prime Minister welcomed the establishment of specialist visa processing teams to deliver timely and efficient visa decisions once the PNG Chiefs visa arrangements commence in 2028.
“This is about readiness,” Prime Minister Marape said. “We are not approaching the NRL casually. We are preparing deliberately, professionally, and in partnership with Australia. Every detail matters if we are to compete, represent our country well, and make our people proud.”
Prime Minister Marape thanked the Australian Government, Minister Burke, and the NRL for their continued support of Papua New Guinea’s NRL journey.
“Our entry into the NRL is a sporting milestone, but it is also a nation-building exercise,” he said. “Through rugby league, we are strengthening regional ties, creating opportunities for our youth, and building bridges between our peoples. This visa initiative is another strong example of that shared vision in action.”