巴布亚新几内亚打算于2028年在澳大利亚600万澳元投资和战略伙伴关系的支持下加入NRL。 Papua New Guinea aims to join the NRL in 2028, backed by Australia’s $600M investment and strategic partnership.

巴布亚新几内亚总理马拉佩(James Marape)认为即将到来的2028年NRL团队加入是一个团结的国家项目, Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape views the upcoming 2028 NRL team entry as a unifying national project, likening it to South Africa’s 1995 Rugby World Cup moment. Marape在悉尼与澳大利亚总理Anthony Albanese的一次会议上发言, 强调体育在促进教育和经济增长方面的作用。 Speaking at a Sydney conference with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Marape emphasized sport’s role in boosting education and economic growth. 澳大利亚正在投资6亿美元,将这一行动视为一项战略努力,以加强双边关系和抵制中国的影响力,ARL主席Peter V'landys指出,体育能以外国投资无法做到的方式促进团结。 Australia is investing $600 million, framing the move as a strategic effort to strengthen bilateral ties and counter Chinese influence, with ARL chairman Peter V’landys stating sport fosters unity in ways foreign investment cannot. Albanese强调了将巴布亚新几内亚提升为国防盟友的普克普克条约以及澳大利亚目前在基础设施和气候融资方面的援助。 Albanese highlighted the Pukpuk treaty, which elevates PNG as a defense ally, and ongoing Australian aid in infrastructure and climate financing. Marape承诺削减公司税, 如果经济达到2 000亿克里米亚(710亿澳元)并认可中国投资的话。 Marape pledged a corporate tax cut if the economy hits 200 billion kina ($A71 billion) and acknowledged Chinese investments. V'landys暗示彭里斯黑豹队主教练伊万·克利里可能成为球队领袖。 V’landys hinted at Ivan Cleary, Penrith Panthers coach, as a likely team leader.