The Papua New Guinea National Rugby League team, officially named CHIEFS, was announced by Prime Minister James Marape during the PM’s XIII fixture in October 2025. Rugby league is not just the national sport of Papua New Guinea (PNG); it also serves as a unifying force within one of the world’s most diverse nations. The shared enthusiasm for rugby league was evident during the recent visit of the Brisbane Broncos and NRL Women’s teams to PNG.
Debate surrounding PNG’s aspiration to join the National Rugby League (NRL) has been ongoing, with varying opinions surfacing in both countries. To better understand the sentiments of the younger populace, the 2025 University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) student survey included questions about the NRL bid and Australian support.
The results revealed a divided opinion among nearly 400 surveyed students from the UPNG School of Business and Public Policy. Approximately 29% expressed strong support for the bid, while 13% offered general support. In contrast, 47% were either unsupportive or not very supportive. A noteworthy finding was the difference in opinions between genders; 49% of male students supported the bid, compared to only 27% of female students, highlighting a substantial gender disparity in viewpoints.
When questioned about the $600 million investment from the Australian government intended for the NRL bid, a significant majority, at 71%, felt that the funds would be better allocated elsewhere, highlighting pressing needs in the country. Only 29% viewed it as a worthwhile investment. Among male respondents, one-third saw the investment positively, while just 16% of female students agreed, reaffirming the notable gender difference in perceptions.
Opinions from students included both optimistic and critical views on the prospect of a PNG NRL team. Many recognized the potential for job creation and a boost in tourism. Conversely, others viewed the financial commitment as excessive given the country’s ongoing struggles with basic services, arguing that priorities should lie elsewhere.
As PNG moves towards establishing an NRL team, it’s evident that local support will be crucial, especially from the student body, many of whom will undoubtedly rally behind their national team once it takes to the field. Yet, the responses also serve as a reminder of the day-to-day challenges faced by many in PNG, emphasizing the need for balanced discourse on such investments.