The board announcement was made in Port Moresby on Tuesday by the ARLC chairman Peter V'landys AM and NRL CEO Andrew Abdo, alongside PNG Prime Minister James Marape and Australian Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy. Photo: Office of the Prime Minister, PNG
Australia's home affairs minister has announced a special visa for those involved with or travelling to watch the PNG Chiefs in rugby league's NRL competition.
Beginning in 2028, the PNG Chiefs' debut NRL season, Papua New Guineans will pay about 75 kina - around US$17 - for the Australian visa.
Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the new arrangements mean it will be easier and cheaper for players, coaches, sporting officials, media and fans to apply for a visa.
The visa would be valid for up to 12 months. It would allow NRL-related work and activities for players, club officials and media, but fans cannot work under the visa.
Applicants would need to satisfy health and character requirements while fans and media also need to satisfy "genuine traveller requirements".
PNG Prime Minister James Marape said the visa package will make it easier and more affordable for Papua New Guinean nationals associated with the PNG Chiefs to travel to Australia.
"It recognises that our NRL journey is not just about a team running onto the field in 2028, but about our people - our players, coaches, officials, media, and fans - being able to participate fully in this shared sporting future," he said in a statement.
"The PNG Chiefs represent a nation of a thousand tribes coming together as one team.
"This visa initiative ensures that our people can move with that team - to support them, tell their story, and strengthen the people-to-people ties that underpin the Australia-Papua New Guinea relationship."
He welcomed the announcement that the visa will come at a significantly reduced cost compared to a regular Australian visa, describing it as an important gesture of inclusivity and mutual respect.
According to Australia's Department of Home Affairs, a standard tourist visa for someone on a Papua New Guinea passport costs from AU$200 (approximately US$139).
