Pacific rugby league gets NZ$300m boost as four nations unite for the next generation

Rugby league’s deep connection across the Pacific is at the centre of a new A$250 million (NZ$303.64 million) partnership involving Papua New Guinea (PNG), Tonga, Sāmoa and Fiji.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the Pacific Rugby League Partnership in Brisbane on Wednesday alongside PNG Prime Minister James Marape, Tonga Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua and Sāmoa Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt.

The partnership will support rugby league development across the region, from grassroots clubs and schools through to elite competitions, creating more opportunities for young players, coaches and officials.

The announcement came as Pacific leaders gathered in Brisbane for talks focused on strengthening regional ties, with sport highlighted as one of the strongest connections between Pasifika communities and Australia.

Fakafanua highlighted the importance of Pacific labour mobility and people-to-people links with Australia, saying rugby league was part of the wider relationship that connects Pacific communities.

Albanese said rugby league represented more than a game for Pacific communities.

“For all us, more than a sport: a language, a culture, a connection that is both family and faith,” he said. “A bond that unites communities and inspires the next generation.”

The partnership comes as PNG prepares to enter the National Rugby League (NRL) with the PNG Chiefs. The new franchise is expected to create a pathway for players and communities across the country.

Albanese said rugby league had become a shared language across the Pacific.

From left: Tonga Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua, Sāmoa Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape at the Pacific leaders’ meetings in Brisbane on Wednesday. Photo/Australia govt

“Papua New Guinea alone is home to more than 800 languages but everyone speaks rugby league,” he said.

The agreement will also support the growth of women’s rugby league with the leaders highlighting the importance of creating more opportunities for women and girls across the region.

Albanese said the the rise of women’s rugby league showed what could be achieved when communities were given greater access to the sport.

“The growth of women’s rugby league here in Australia and across the Pacific is truly inspiring,” he said.

“It shows what is possible with a commitment to access and equality, from grassroots facilities all the way to the elite level and this Partnership will build on that too.”

Laaulialemalietoa said sports was a powerful part of the relationship between Pacific nations and Australia.

He said Sāmoa was grateful for Australia's support in creating opportunities for young people.

He said more Pacific talent was ready to emerge.

“I'm glad to learn that Rugby League is your passion, and I can assure you there are more superstars in the Pacific that needs to bring up here,” he said.

Marape also highlighted the importance of the sport in strengthening links between the two countries.

The partnership builds on the growing influence of Pacific players in rugby league with athletes from PNG, Tonga, Sāmoa and Fiji becoming some of the biggest names in the NRL and international game.

The leaders say the goal is not only to develop elite athletes but to use rugby league as a pathway into education, employment, leadership and stronger communities across the Pacific.