The recent launch of the PNG NRL bid not only creates a pathway for young Papua New Guineas to develop through the sport of rugby league, but it also creates an opportunity for economic growth in general. Australia’s Minister for Pacific Island Affairs and Defense Industry, Pat Conroy, underscored the significant impact in investments coming out of this deal between Papua New Guinea (PNG), the National Rugby League (Australia) and Canberra, once things start rolling by 2028. Speaking at the recent 40th Australia PNG Business Forum & Trade Expo in Port Moresby city, he said thousands of Australians will come to Port Moresby to watch the game that will bring investment of millions of dollars on the local Port Moresby economy. “It will grow 5, 000 jobs through the franchise through the construction of the Center for Excellence, through running the franchise. It will increase the recreational sector in PNG by 158%. So, it is truly transformational.” “It will put PNG tourism on the map in Australia like you’ve never seen before,” he said. This he said is an added benefit to what Australia already has invested in PNG, which is quite large. He illustrated this by saying that PNG is the third largest export destination of Australia. “We invest more in PNG than we do in Indonesia or India, and we are arguably your largest provider in foreign capital and our investment in PNG grows by 70 percent (%) in the last five (5) years.” “We’re spending 1 billion dollars investing in your infrastructure over the next five years. We’re providing 1.2 billion dollars in grants and loans to major capital projects and 100 million to on green energy projects.” “We’ve got connection through the 4, 700km long Coral Sea cable that connect PNG to a global internet hub in Sydney, and around 2, 000 Papua New Guineans are part of the Pacific Australia Mobility Scheme and we want that number to grow rapidly and significantly,” said the Minister. He further expressed that this is the economic context for the rugby league announcement made last year.