The National Rugby League (NRL) is poised to announce the entry of a team from Papua New Guinea (PNG) into the competition, with confirmation expected as soon as next week.

This new PNG team is set to join the NRL by 2028, coinciding with a PNG investment conference in Sydney that will be attended by several PNG ministers.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed strong support for the PNG NRL bid, emphasizing its importance for both nations.

The Australian government is committing $600 million over the next decade to support this expansion, which aims to strengthen ties with PNG and counter China's influence in the Pacific.

Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko clarified that the NRL franchise is primarily a sporting initiative, focusing on the relationship with Australia rather than geopolitical tensions.

While acknowledging the security aspects of the deal, PNG Prime Minister James Marape highlighted the deeper cultural connections through rugby league.

Rugby league is considered PNG's national sport, and Tkatchenko stated that this initiative will fulfill dreams for many Papua New Guineans and enhance the local economy.

To support the establishment of the new team, PNG has allocated 100 million kina (approximately $38 million) in its 2024 budget for developing facilities, including a high-performance center.

The PNG team will be the 19th franchise in the NRL, joining a proposed team from Western Australia, which is contingent on securing funding from the WA government.

The NRL has briefed its existing clubs about the PNG team's situation, acknowledging that some hurdles remain before the team's entry is finalized.

Despite no formal agreement being signed yet, there is optimism that discussions are nearing completion and an agreement will be reached soon.

Marape is scheduled to visit Australia next week for a historic announcement in Sydney, where further details regarding the team's entry will be unveiled.