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The Australian Government is continuing its support for rugby league player development in Papua New Guinea with further assistance for high-performance pathways and the participation of the PNG Hunters team in the Queensland Cup.

The assistance, under the PacificAus Sports program, continues the Federal Government’s partnership with the Queensland Rugby League (QRL) as well as its support for the development of elite PNG rugby league players and PNG’s aspirations for an NRL franchise.

The assistance will be used to establish a national women’s competition in PNG and support a women’s talent identification program as well as build capabilities and credentials of PNG rugby league coaches, support staff and administrators.

It follows the QRL - in close collaboration with the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) - having backed high performance rugby league since 2020, culminating in the Orchids’ and Kumuls’ impressive performance at the 2023 Pacific Championships.

Commenting on the support, Federal Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy stated “Australia and Papua New Guinea have a shared love of sport and the linkages forged between our people through rugby league brings the two countries and their communities closer together.

"This commitment to establishing elite pathways for PNG rugby league players also marks a crucial step towards PNG achieving its aspiration of securing a franchise in both the NRL and NRLW.”

Australian Minister for Sport, Anika Wells added “investing in a national women’s competition will be a game changer for Papua New Guinea talent aspiring to play for the Orchids.

“This assistance is further demonstration of our commitment to Pacific athletes and the development of women in sport, not just in Australia but abroad.”

PNGRFL Chief Executive, Stanley Hondina went on to say “the PNGRFL and the PNG Hunters are grateful for this partnership with the Australian Government and the QRL.

“The last two years have started the phase for long term improvement in the game in PNG.

“Our female game is in its initial professional competition stage, and we are looking forward to getting it off the ground for the for first time.”

Image: Pat Conroy, Federal Minister for International Development and the Pacific, presents Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape with a Maroon's rugby league jersey after a lunch at Australia's Parliament House on Thursday 8th Feburary 2024. Credit: Office of Minister Conroy.

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