As the NRL prepares for the introduction of a new club in Papua New Guinea, a trademark dispute with New Zealand Rugby is intensifying.
The newly formed team, supported by a $600 million Australian government initiative aimed at countering China's influence in the Pacific, is slated to join the league in 2028 as its 19th franchise.
However, New Zealand Rugby, which operates the Chiefs franchise in the Super Rugby Pacific, has expressed strong objections to the use of the name "Chiefs" for the PNG team.
In a letter dispatched to the NRL this week, NZ Rugby stated that the name is "not an acceptable name" and urged league officials to reconsider their decision.
This disagreement puts the upcoming event in Port Moresby, where the team's logo and jersey are set to be unveiled next month, at risk.
As tensions rise, the NRL faces the prospect of legal action from the New Zealand organization if a resolution is not reached.
Acknowledging the seriousness of the situation, NZ Rugby is poised to act if the name remains unchanged.