Australian Rugby League Commission to bankroll development of local talent in PNG ahead of expansion
The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) has announced a new initiative to foster the development of local talent in Papua New Guinea (PNG) ahead of a Port Moresby-based team joining the NRL in 2028.
The policy aims to strengthen the opportunities for emerging PNG talent by bringing them more in line with those available to young players in Australia through increased exposure to the NRL environment.
As part of the rollout, clubs will be allowed to sign up to two PNG pathway players outside the salary cap, with their full salaries to be exempt from both the top 30 squad and supplementary salary caps list.
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Sylvester Namo of Papua New Guinea is tackled. Getty
By removing a significant financial barrier to clubs, the ARLC hopes the move will encourage them to recruit and develop budding talent, while providing a clearer pathway for local players to progress to the NRL.
A PNG pathway player is defined as a talent-identified player who has participated in junior rugby league in PNG.
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This policy forms part of a broader strategy that includes increased funding for participation pathways across PNG and the Pacific region.
ARLC chairman Peter V'landys highlighted the Junior Kumuls' hard-fought draw with the Australian Schoolboys side last October as a strong sign of the depth of talent at the junior level throughout PNG.
"The recent performance of the PNG schoolboys team, which drew 22-all with the strong Australian side, is a clear indicator of the talent emerging from the region," he said in a statement.
"These young players will gain invaluable experience through increased exposure to the NRL system."
