Australia Supports PNG NRL Team with $600 Million Aid, Conditional on No China Security Deal

Oct 13, 2024, 10:50 PM

Australia is leveraging sports diplomacy by supporting the creation of a National Rugby League (NRL) team in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The initiative includes a $600 million assistance package from Australia to help set up the NRL side in Port Moresby. However, this financial support is contingent upon PNG's assurance that it will not sign a security deal with China, which could potentially allow Chinese police or military forces to be based in the Pacific nation. Andrew Abdo, an NRL executive, has pledged to include both NRL and NRLW games in PNG as part of the league's expansion efforts. Marian Faa reports.