Name of PNG NRL team unveiled to big PM's XIII crowd

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister, James Marape, has revealed that the new PNG team set to join the NRL in 2028 will be called the Chiefs, a name that holds cultural importance for both men and women.

This announcement was made during a packed event at Santos National Stadium, coinciding with the annual Prime Minister's XIII matches featuring teams from Australia and Papua New Guinea.

The name "Chiefs" was chosen collaboratively by the governments of Papua New Guinea and Australia, in consultation with the Australian Rugby League Commission. This followed a public naming competition that attracted over 20,000 entries.

Prime Minister Marape expressed that the name PNG Chiefs embodies a significant emblem as the nation approaches its 50th Independence anniversary in 2025, symbolizing both the historical and future leadership of Papua New Guinea.

Prior to the public announcement, Marape informed the PNG NRL Franchise Board about the selected name, which was unanimously approved by the board directors. The final decision came down to two contenders: Pythons and Chiefs.