Foreign Affairs Minister and Moresby South MP Justin Tkatchenko, has outlined sweeping preparations ahead of the PNG Chiefs’ entry into the National Rugby League (NRL) in 2028, describing the move as a “steppingstone and pathway” for aspiring rugby league stars across the country.
Speaking at a press conference today, Tkatchenko said the government, under the direction of Prime Minister James Marape, is taking firm action to ensure the capital is ready to host elite competition and international visitors.
“We’re cleaning up the city with the assistance of our Governor, removing the undesirables those that cause law and order issues in our country will now be no more,” Tkatchenko said.
“We are taking a hard step because we want our city to embrace this, the Chiefs embrace what we are being offered and show Port Moresby in a completely different light.”
He said the preparations extend beyond infrastructure and public order, with a strong emphasis on grassroots development through junior rugby league programs to secure the long-term future of the sport.
“This gives an amazing steppingstone and pathway for our Papua New Guineans now that they can be NRL stars going on from 2028,” he said.
Tkatchenko also confirmed the introduction of a new special visa arrangement designed to facilitate travel between Papua New Guinea and Australia in the lead-up to the 2028 season.
He thanked the Australian Government for announcing what he described as a “brand new visa — the NRL visa” — aimed at making travel more accessible and affordable for fans, players and officials.
According to Tkatchenko, the visa will cost between $25 (K75.00) for a 12-month season ticket arrangement, allowing multiple entries and stays of up to 30 days per visit, though it does not permit employment.
Importantly, he said players and administrators from both Australia and Papua New Guinea would receive equal treatment under the arrangement, with the same fees and conditions applying to both sides.
“It opens up an amazing way and pathway for Australians and people from all around the world to come to Papua New Guinea and to go to Australia for the first time at such an affordable rate,” Tkatchenko said.
“Having a multiple entry and stay gives a win-win situation to everybody and complements what we are doing for 2028.”
The Foreign Affairs Minister described the visa initiative as “just one part of the big puzzle” aimed at ensuring the success of PNG’s NRL entry.
He pledged that his department would work closely with the government and relevant authorities to ensure all arrangements are handled properly and deliver long-term benefits for the country.
“We are here to fully support and work closely with the Government to ensure that everything is done properly and correctly for the long-term benefit of this fabulous program going forward,” he said.
Papua New Guinea is set to become the first Pacific nation to field a team in the NRL competition, marking a historic milestone for a country where rugby league is widely regarded as the national sport.
