Papua New Guinea may soon have an NRL team to call their own. PNG is the only country in the world where rugby league is the national sport. Locals say an estimated 80% of the country follows Australia’s National Rugby League. Amid regional competition from China, the Albanese government has escalated its effort in sports diplomacy. Negotiations with the Australian Rugby League Commission are close to conclusion on a 10-year, $600m deal that would underpin the franchise. Rafqa speaks to Rebecca

In Papua New Guinea, rugby league is more than just a game, it's a way of life. In this special Queensland Rugby League short documentary, the people and the players of PNG give a rare insight into what rugby league means to them and not just the passion they have for the game, but how it can help them now and into the future, inspiring the next generations. #PacificAusSports | QRL - Queensland Rugby League

171K views · 2.4K reactions | Domestic Rugby League,  Papua New Guinea style | Everything Rugby League | Facebook

This was a memorable debut for Morea Morea as a Papua New Guinea Kumuls player against the Cook Islands Aitu. After suffering many injury setbacks and being relegated to the PNG National Rugby League Competition for most of the 2024 season, he was finally called up to the Kumuls team. Named in the 19 jersey, his participation depended on a Kumuls player suffering a concussion, and that’s exactly what happened. Morea was brought into the match in the last ten minutes. Realizing the significance o