**BREAKING NEWS: Brisbane Broncos Limited Announces NRL Expansion with New PNG Team**
In a landmark development for rugby league, Brisbane Broncos Limited has confirmed its strategic involvement in the establishment of a new Papua New Guinea-based team, set to join the NRL in the near future as part of the league’s expansion plans. The announcement marks a significant step in the NRL’s push to grow the game in the Pacific region and strengthen ties with one of rugby league’s most passionate nations.
The new franchise, which will be headquartered in Port Moresby, is being developed with direct support from the Broncos’ ownership and management structure. Brisbane Broncos Limited will provide operational and strategic oversight during the team’s foundational years, helping to establish professional standards across coaching, development, and administration.
This move aligns with the Australian government’s regional diplomacy goals, which include strengthening sporting and cultural ties with Papua New Guinea and the broader Pacific. The project is expected to receive funding support from both the Australian and PNG governments, along with private investment. The goal is to have the team operational and competing in the NRL by 2027, pending final approvals.
Broncos Chairman Karl Morris described the initiative as a “transformational opportunity” for both the sport and the region. “Papua New Guinea lives and breathes rugby league. The chance to help build a professional team that not only competes in the NRL but also inspires a nation is something we’re proud to be a part of,” Morris said.
The new team is expected to operate independently of the Broncos on the field, though strong developmental and logistical ties will exist between the two clubs. The Broncos’ expertise in elite player pathways, high-performance systems, and community engagement will be pivotal in shaping the PNG franchise’s identity and infrastructure.
The NRL has long recognised PNG’s deep rugby league culture, with the national team—the Kumuls—consistently performing with passion and pride on the international stage. Establishing an NRL club in PNG not only cements that legacy but opens doors for local talent to access elite competition without needing to relocate to Australia.
This historic expansion signals a new era for the game and reinforces the Broncos’ commitment to shaping rugby league’s future across the Pacific.
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