Australian swimming champion Leisel Jones has expressed strong opposition to the idea of establishing an NRL team in Papua New Guinea, predicting it will be “an embarrassment to the country”.
Jones, who won nine Olympic medals during his career, recently spent three days in PNG, where he gathered local knowledge.
The proposal, backed by a $600 million deal between the NRL and the Australian government, aims to announce the 18th franchise this July.
The funding is intended to support the PNG franchise for 10 years, starting in 2027.
This initiative is considered a way to strengthen international relations and counter China’s influence in the Pacific.
Pacific Minister Pat Conroy discussed the proposal with NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo and Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys in May during the Magic Round.
Leisel Jones (pictured), now Athletics Australia’s athlete engagement and wellbeing co-ordinator, recently visited Port Moresby and gauged local opinion on securing an NRL team.
While locals are fans of their national sport, rugby league (pictured), Jones said PNG residents would be embarrassed if they had their own first grade team.
The PNG franchise is being highly regarded after the PNG Hunters successfully joined the Queensland Cup, while the Kumuls national team (pictured playing Fiji in 2022) have been regulars in the World Cup. Rugby League.
Jones, however, is very skeptical about the plan after her recent visit.
“I got back from Port Moresby yesterday, I had a three-day trip to PNG and I’ve heard a lot about the NRL team they’re putting together,” he said on The Rush Hour with Leisel Jones, Liam and Dobbo.
‘From what I’ve heard on the ground and spoken to a lot of people in PNG, I don’t think they want an NRL team there.
‘I was of the opinion that it would be a great way to build a relationship with PNG and that it was going to be a great result. I don’t think that’s the case.’
Jones criticized the Australian government’s approach and questioned the rapid pace at which the expansion project was progressing.
“I’ve heard a lot that it’s just hot air, that a lot of the Australian government decided very quickly, on the spur of the moment, that they wanted to have this equipment for security reasons for Australia, but I didn’t really think about passing it on,” he said.
‘There are many statistics in PNG that indicate unemployment rates of 80 per cent (in rural areas), that is the big problem.
“Kids go to school and finish in year six, that’s their level of education… an NRL team could be an embarrassment to the country.”
‘The Australian government is financing $600 million, investing it in PNG, yes, it buys security from us, of course. But I don’t think the people of PNG want this NRL team because I don’t think they’re going to be proud of the result.”
Jones (pictured at a radio awards ceremony) believes Papua New Guineans “won’t be proud” of an NRL team if the plans become reality.
Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V’landys is working hard with the Australian Government to make the PNG team a reality.
The government wants PNG’s franchise approved in a move to prevent Chinese incursions into the Pacific region.
The NRL’s plans have been further complicated by the financial demands of existing clubs.
The clubs have requested a $170 million incentive to back the bid, and each club could receive a lump sum of $3.5 million.
Additionally, club bosses are seeking an additional $2 million for five seasons starting in 2028.
V’landys clarified that no formal agreement has been reached with the federal government regarding the expansion.
In addition to PNG, Perth, New Zealand and Brisbane are also being considered for the new franchise.
