The politics behind PNG’s new NRL team
ABCSARAH FERGUSON: The Prime Minister announced today a $600 million agreement to secure an NRL team for Papua New Guinea with a major side hustle - a condition that PNG, as we understand it, not allow China to secure a military foothold in the country. I think everyone remembers the worrying agreement between the Solomon Islands and China around a security deal that happened under the Morrison-Dutton government, and we've been committed to repairing that damage, so we're the number one partner, the partner of choice in the Pacific, and that includes Papua New Guinea and you start with people-to-people connections. By strategic trust, it's the public commitment that Papua New Guinea has made that Australia is their number one security partner of choice, and as recently as this week, Foreign Minister Tkatchenko said that they will not sign a security deal with China. PAT CONROY: We have a separate agreement with the Papua New Guinean Government that is all about strategic trust.
History of this topic
Australia deploys rugby diplomacy to tempt neighbour away from China
The Independent
Papua New Guinean NRLW team put on hold after NRL expansion announced for 2028
ABC
Papua New Guinea gains a team in Australian rugby league in diplomatic push aimed at curbing China
Associated Press
Papua New Guinea is granted a National Rugby League team from 2028
The Independent
Papua New Guinea is granted a National Rugby League team starting in 2028
Associated Press
Australia, PNG unveil deal for Papua New Guinea team to enter NRL in 2028
ABC
Rugby as diplomacy: Australia's strategy to curb Chinese influence
India Today
Why the NRL's expansion into Papua New Guinea is the most ambitious and complex move in rugby league history
ABC
In a contest of influence in Papua New Guinea, Australia triumphed over China through our shared love of footy
ABC
Security pact to block China not linked to NRL deal, PNG PM says
ABC
Kumuls coach Jason Demetriou says a new PNG NRL team would be a big boost to the region
ABC
Why Papua New Guinea's homegrown talents are ready for the game of a lifetime against New Zealand
ABC
The NRL deal doubling as international diplomacy
ABC
Papua New Guinea's chance at an NRL team may hinge on a pledge not to sign a security deal with China
ABC
Anthony Albanese reiterates federal government support for Papua New Guinea NRL club as talks continue with ARLC
ABC
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ABC
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ABC
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ABC
Australia and Papua New Guinea's future relationship evolving from shared colonial past
ABC
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