- Papua New Guinea to receive next NRL franchise in 2027
- The president of the United States, Joe Biden, has been involved in the conversation.
- The United States and Australia want to reduce Chinese influence in the South Pacific
- PNG-based full-time NRL team could help in delicate process
A multi-million-dollar financial pledge from US President Joe Biden may have ruined New Zealand’s dreams of fielding a second NRL team, with Papua New Guinea set to enter the competition ahead of the 2027 season.
In April, President Biden approved a $158 billion global war aid measure, a deal that further strengthens relations between Australia and the United States.
Part of the deal reportedly includes $12.44 billion in a bid to reduce growing Chinese communist influence in the Indo-Pacific.
According to the New Zealand HeraldThe financial commitment will ensure that a full-time sporting franchise representing PNG can enter the NRL, starting in 2027.
New Zealand had hoped to field an NRL team out of Christchurch, in direct competition with the Warriors, who are based in Auckland.
US President Joe Biden may have ruined New Zealand’s dreams of fielding a second NRL team (pictured with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese)
Despite the popularity of the Warriors (pictured), a full-time NRL team based in Papua New Guinea could nullify communist China’s growing influence in the South Pacific.
It also comes after Prime Minister and Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’Landys met President Biden at the White House last October.
At the dinner, Biden told Albanese that he supported his plans to invest in sports as a diplomatic strategy to fend off growing Chinese ambition in the South Pacific.
Albanese also confirmed V’landys made an instant connection with Biden as the NRL looks to tap into the lucrative US sports market.
In March, the NRL successfully hosted a double-header at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to kick off the 2024 NRL season.
“It was an incredible journey,” Albanese said at the time.
“It was great to have Peter too. I made sure he had a good time to talk to Joe.
“Going to the White House was fantastic and a great honor to represent Australia.”
V’Landys is understood to have left Washington and immediately rushed to PNG as the NRL’s 18th franchise, armed with $6.59 million in guaranteed funding from the Australian government.