Papua New Guinea's prime minister says he wants a PNG team in Australia's National Rugby League by 2025.
The PNG Hunters will be based in Queensland for the 2021 season. Photo: Facebook/PNG Hunters
James Marape told local media the country is preparing for this goal.
He said the development of the PNG Hunters team into a successful, professional outfit laid the foundation for a team to join the NRL.
The Hunters currently play in Australia's second highest league competition, the Queensland Cup, which they won in 2017.
On Sunday, the Hunters relocated to Australia to continue competing in the Cup, after last year's competition was cancelled because of Covid-19.
Marape said with the Hunters relocating with their new visa, it would will be also easy for them to stay in Australia and play if they secured an NRL contract
He said PNG could produce more Hunters and they could go to Australia to play.
Papua New Guinea prime minister James Marape. Photo: PNG PM media
Meanwhile, the newspaper The National reported that the Australian High Commissioner in PNG, said his government shared the same goal to see a PNG team join the NRL.
High Commissioner Jon Philp said he had been discussing the aspiration with Marape, adding that the PNG-Australian partnership would help push for it.
A number of PNG players have made a big individual impact in the league in recent years including premiership winning Justin Olam, State of Origin wing Xavier Coates and South Sydney star Alex Johnston.
