Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape views the upcoming entry of the PNG Chiefs into the National Rugby League (NRL) as a pivotal moment for fostering national unity. Drawing parallels to South Africa’s transformative experience during the 1995 Rugby World Cup, Marape spoke at the annual PNG investment conference in Sydney about how the new team could serve as an inspiration for children to prioritize education and attract foreign investment.
“Sport has more unification than any other pursuit of life,” Marape stated, emphasizing the unifying power of athletics to bring together diverse communities. He recalled how Nelson Mandela skillfully used rugby to promote unity in South Africa, illustrating how a shared passion for sports can connect individuals across societal divides.
Echoing this sentiment, ARL Commission Chairman Peter V’landys articulated a vision for rugby league as a bonding force within the community, countering the increasing influence of China in the region. “Having rugby league there for the community as a whole – taking the kids to school, bringing all the people together like glue,” he expressed, highlighting the potential of sport to resonate deeply with Papua New Guinea’s populace, a reach that investment alone might not achieve.
Prime Minister Marape expressed gratitude for the essential contributions of Chinese investments along with other bilateral partnerships. He described the Chiefs as a “national unity project” aimed at bridging both domestic and international divisions. His acknowledgment also included Australia’s substantial investment of AUD$600 million in the team, reinforcing the importance of international collaborations.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also recognized the role of the Chiefs in promoting educational investment in Papua New Guinea. He stated that the opportunity to play for the Chiefs in the NRL would motivate children to dedicate themselves to their studies, as participating at that level requires significant commitment and discipline.
Under Albanese’s leadership, Australia has demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing ties with Papua New Guinea, particularly through the recent Pukpuk treaty, which designates PNG as Australia’s third defense ally, bolstering security collaboration. This partnership also extends to providing crucial development aid aimed at climate resilience and infrastructure improvement, crucial for diversifying the local economy.
In a promising note, Marape announced intentions to lower corporate taxes once the PNG economy reaches K200 billion (approximately AUD$71 billion), signaling his dedication to attracting foreign investments and driving national development. Meanwhile, the spirited dialogue around the future coaching of the NRL team hinted at a competitive atmosphere within the sports community, particularly regarding Ivan Cleary’s potential challenges.
The optimistic outlook surrounding the PNG Chiefs highlights aspirations for economic progress, educational enhancement, and fortified international relationships, setting a hopeful trajectory for the future of Papua New Guinea.