LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The Papua New Guinea NRL team has officially adopted the nickname 'Chiefs' as they prepare to join the league in 2028.
This announcement was made to local fans in Port Moresby during the PM XIII event, where Papua New Guinea will take on Australia at the Santos National Stadium on Sunday.
PNG Prime Minister James Marape revealed the team's nickname, which is rooted in the country's heritage, surpassing the other contender, 'Pythons.'
"the forefathers and mothers were chiefs who kept order, peace, and balance among the tribes," Marape stated, as reported by nrl.com.au.
He added, "As we play on the world stage, the PNG Chiefs will carry that same spirit - the strength of unity in diversity."
Marape emphasized that "everyone felt that Chiefs was more appropriate on the basis that we are a sovereign nation of many tribes; over 850 languages and 1000 tribes. Before there was a Prime Minister, and a King or Queen in England, the sovereign head within the tribe was the Chief."
"The name just blends in well with the authenticity of where we came from as a nation of so many tribes, united into one nation in 1975 and gifted by Australia. It has a strong meaning to the authentic identity."