Why an NRL team based out of Papua New Guinea isn’t likely to happen until at least 2028  – as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirms likely ‘incentives’ for footy stars to relocate

The Papua New Guinea government could kick in for footy stars willing to relocate and join their NRL team, which is edging closer  – but tellingly is still without a competition entry date.

The NRL is poised to add a team based out of Port Moresby following long-running talks between the Australian and PNG governments and the sport.

The PNG bid trails the Western Bears – a Perth-based club merged with ex-NRL outfit the North Sydney Bears – which is likely to enter the league in 2027.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is a huge proponent of the PNG bid, throwing his weight behind it while at the Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga.

‘Discussions have been really constructive,’ he said of talks with PNG counterpart James Marape.

‘The role that sport can play in lifting up people in Papua New Guinea is extraordinary….there is certainly no country in the world that is more obsessed by rugby league than Papua New Guinea.

‘I’m hopeful that in the coming period we will be able to make a constructive announcement.’

However, the ability to attract and retain NRL talent based in Port Moresby is in question, given the capital’s well documented crime issues.

The Papua New Guinea government could kick in for stars to join their NRL team, which is still without a competition entry date (pictured, PNG Prime Minister James Marape and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese)

The NRL is poised to add a team based out of Port Moresby following long-running talks between the Australian and PNG governments and the sport (pictured, fans at a game in Port Moresby)

The Australian government’s Smartraveller website states the risk of violent crime and sexual assault is high, particularly in Port Moresby, with machetes ‘often used in assaults and robberies’.

Mr Albanese said talks had included how to tackle recruitment.

‘PNG have considered it at the highest level, their cabinet level, about how they would create incentives for elite players to go and be a part of any inaugural team,’ he said.

If terms can be agreed, an entry point is likely to be 2028 or 2029 – but Mr Albanese said it was too soon to confirm exactly when.

‘It’s about making sure that it is a success…..you don’t make an announcement and then go in straightaway,’ he said.

‘The Dolphins had a couple of years to prepare.’

Adding to the momentum behind the PNG bid, on Wednesday, the PNGRFL signed former South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou to be coach of the national side, the Kumuls.