Australia Commits A$600 Million to PNG Rugby League Team as It Counters China in Pacific
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · Jul 8
Australia Commits A$600 Million to PNG Rugby League Team as It Counters China in Pacific
3 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · Jul 8
Summary
A$600 million in Australian funding will back a Papua New Guinea team in Australia’s domestic professional rugby league, with part of the package also reserved for youth development.
Canberra is using the sport as a diplomatic tool to deepen ties across the Pacific, where rugby league is widely popular in both Australia and island nations.
Anthony Albanese has made blocking any Chinese military foothold in the Pacific a central regional goal since taking office, and the PNG rugby push fits that broader strategy.
With China testing ballistic missiles, can Australia's rugby diplomacy still win influence in the Pacific?
Can Australia capitalize on the Solomon Islands' unexpected pro-Western political shift?
Power Play in the Pacific: Australia’s $600 Million PNG NRL Team and Its Geopolitical Stakes
Overview
The landmark agreement to establish a Papua New Guinea-based rugby league team in the NRL was announced by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape, and NRL boss Peter V’landys. Albanese called it a great day for both nations, highlighting that rugby league is Papua New Guinea’s national sport and the country deserves its own team. Marape described the deal as pivotal for strengthening ties between the two countries, while V’landys called it a historic step. Leaders believe this partnership will be remembered as a key moment that further cemented their relationship.