The Papua New Guinea National Rugby League team, known as the CHIEFS, was officially unveiled by Prime Minister James Marape during the PM’s XIII fixture in October 2025. Rugby league plays a vital role in Papua New Guinea (PNG) as not only the national sport but also as a source of unity amid the nation’s rich cultural diversity. This passion for rugby league was evident during the recent visit of the Brisbane Broncos and the NRL Women’s teams to PNG.
The conversation about PNG’s ambition to join the National Rugby League (NRL) is multifaceted, with opinions varying widely between nations. To gauge the perspectives of the youth, the 2025 University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) student survey incorporated inquiries regarding the NRL bid and the perceived support from Australia.
The survey, which engaged nearly 400 students from the UPNG School of Business and Public Policy, indicated a split in opinion. Approximately 29% of respondents expressed strong support for the NRL bid, while an additional 13% showed general support. Conversely, close to half of the participants—47%—were either unsupportive or somewhat unenthusiastic about the prospect. Notably, a significant gender gap emerged, with 49% of male respondents backing the bid against only 27% of female respondents.
When discussing the Australian government’s proposed $600 million investment in the NRL bid, a substantial majority of 71% of students felt that these funds could be better spent on other pressing needs within the country. Only 29% viewed this financial commitment as beneficial. A breakdown of male and female perceptions revealed that one-third of male respondents were in favor of the investment, while just 16% of female students agreed, further underscoring the stark difference in viewpoints based on gender.
Student opinions on the potential inclusion of a PNG NRL team were varied, highlighting both optimism and skepticism. Many acknowledged the possibility for job creation and a boost in tourism stemming from the establishment of a national team. However, others critiqued the financial burden, expressing concerns that the country’s immediate needs for essential services should take precedence over such a significant investment.
As Papua New Guinea progresses towards solidifying its place in the NRL, the backing of local supporters will be essential, especially from the youth demographic that could become fervent followers of their national team once it takes the field. The survey responses also serve as an important reminder of the daily struggles faced by many in PNG, emphasizing the necessity for a nuanced discussion regarding such financial commitments to ensure community needs are met alongside aspirations in sports.