Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has warmly welcomed current Sydney Roosters and NRL representative player Connor Watson to Papua New Guinea during his visit to Port Moresby to tour PNG Chiefs facilities and explore potential opportunities with the Franchise ahead of its historic entry into the National Rugby League competition in 2028.
Prime Minister Marape said Connor Watson’s visit was another major sign of growing international confidence in the PNG Chiefs project, following the recent signings of NRL stars Jarome Luai and Alex Johnston. “We welcome Connor Watson to our country. He is another high-profile player visiting Papua New Guinea and looking into opportunities that the Chiefs may provide for him,” Prime Minister Marape said. “The fact that he has come to Port Moresby and shown respect to our country has earned my respect. Whatever decision he makes will be between him, the Chiefs, and his family, but we sincerely welcome him.”
Prime Minister Marape said the recruitment of internationally respected Players demonstrated the PNG Chiefs’ determination to build a competitive and professional team from the outset. “In 2028, we do not want to simply make up the numbers — we want to field one of the strongest teams from game one,” the Prime Minister said. “We want to galvanise the entire country in support and focus, while also setting the standard and pace for our young players coming through junior competitions, the PNG Hunters system, and other local pathways.”
The Prime Minister stressed that while the Chiefs would recruit experienced professional players to establish a strong inaugural squad, the long-term vision remained focused on creating opportunities for Papua New Guinean talent to rise through the ranks into elite Rugby League. “Our home-grown Players will also have the opportunity to fit into the structure, but the first Team must be solid and competitive against the best Teams in the NRL,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape commended the PNG Chiefs Leadership Team for their hard work and dedication in progressing the Franchise toward the 2028 Season. He specifically acknowledged Sports Minister Hon. Kinoka Feo, Chiefs Coach Willie Peters, CEO Lorna McPherson, General Manager Michael Chammas and the Chiefs Board for their ongoing efforts to turn the dream of an NRL Franchise into reality.
The Prime Minister also assured NRL Clubs, Officials, and Players that PNG would fully respect all recruitment protocols and contractual arrangements within the NRL system. “We are not in competition with anyone in an improper way. We respect all NRL processes and protocols concerning Players coming off contract,” Prime Minister Marape stated. He said Papua New Guinea was committed to ensuring that all players and families who relocate to Port Moresby would be welcomed with care, hospitality, and strong community support. “We understand the challenges of relocation, but we will do our utmost best to ensure Players and their families settle seamlessly into Port Moresby,” he said.
“We want this to be more than just rugby league. The growth of the Chiefs will run parallel with the transformation of Port Moresby into a modern international city ready for sport, business, tourism, culture, and global engagement.”
Prime Minister Marape highlighted the Government’s broader Vision for Port Moresby as a modern Pacific gateway city capable of hosting major international events and welcoming people from around the world. He noted Papua New Guinea’s successful Hosting of APEC in 2018, its growing calendar of international Conferences, and the country’s future hosting ambitions, including APEC 2033.
The Prime Minister concluded by wishing Connor Watson every success in his Rugby League career and thanked him for taking the time to visit Papua New Guinea and engage with the PNG Chiefs project.