Prime Minister James Marape will attend the National Rugby League (NRL) Grand Final today Sunday, October 6th in Sydney, Australia. He was invited by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, a gesture that highlights the strong ties between Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG). The Grand Final, featuring the Melbourne Storm and the Penrith Panthers, comes at a crucial time for PNG as the country is making a bid to join the NRL competition in 2028. Prime Minister Marape sees PNG’s NRL bid as more than just about rugby. He believes it can bring unity to the country. “Our bid to have a PNG team in the NRL competition is seen as a ‘unifying strategy’ for the country amidst so many divisive forces" "A PNG team competing in the NRL would do so much to bring us together as ‘one country, one nation, one people,’” said Prime Minister Marape. The Prime Minister is also working with major companies in PNG to back the NRL team. The government is making improvements to Port Moresby, preparing for the bid’s success. Marape praised the Australian government’s support for PNG's bid, saying that rugby league is incredibly popular in PNG, especially among youth and women. He pointed to the success of the PNG Hunters, the country’s rugby league team that competes in Queensland’s second-tier competition, as proof of the country’s potential. “Imagine the impact on PNG if we have a team in the NRL competition. For me, this is not just about rugby—it’s about a ‘unifying strategy’ as we look beyond our 50th anniversary as a nation in 2025,” Prime Minister Marape explained. Australia has backed PNG’s NRL dream with strong financial support. Marape acknowledged Australia’s partnership, stating, “When we floated the idea of having a PNG team in the NRL, Australia didn’t hesitate to offer substantial financial support." "I sincerely thank them from the bottom of my heart.” Marape also talked about rugby league’s social and cultural power, comparing it to Nelson Mandela’s use of rugby union to unify South Africa during apartheid. “Rugby league has the power to bring people together. We already have world-class players in the NRL, and our country is full of untapped potential. I’m confident that Papua New Guinea has what it takes to compete at the highest level,” Marape said. Beyond the sport, Marape highlighted the economic benefits of an NRL team for PNG. Hosting international games and having players living in the country would provide huge growth opportunities. He emphasized the government's commitment to improving Port Moresby, in partnership with National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop. “This event will be bigger than anything we’ve seen with the PNG Hunters, and it will showcase our nation on the global stage through worldwide broadcasts." “Together, we’re seizing this chance to elevate Port Moresby to new heights, driving progress and pride for all of PNG.”