The PNG Chiefs officially launched its brand this morning much to the excitement of the people of Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Papua New Guinea Chiefs Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lorna McPherson said the club’s unveiling represents more than a new team identity- it gives a rugby league-loving nation a team of its own.

Speaking at the Chiefs’ brand and jersey reveal, McPherson painted a vivid picture of a child in a remote PNG village, listening intently to a match on the radio, imagining every tackle while cheering for teams from Australia.

For years, she said, supporters had followed other clubs. Now, they would have a jersey bearing Papua New Guinea’s name. 

“Today, that waiting ends,” McPherson declared.

The Chiefs are scheduled to make their official entry into the NRL in 2028, with their inaugural team expected to run out at Port Moresby’s Santos National Football Stadium in March of that year.

The club is being built through cooperation between Papua New Guinea and Australia, which McPherson called a historic partnership between two nations.

“PNG Chiefs is the first time in history that two nations have built one professional club together,” she said, describing the project as ‘Australian investment and Papua New Guinean heart.’

McPherson expressed deep gratitude to Papua New Guinea’s political leaders, the Australian government, and the Australian Rugby League Commission for backing the club's creation.

She also acknowledged the PNG Rugby Football League, the club’s board and staff, sponsors, and the people who helped develop its identity and jersey.

McPherson emphasized the club’s ambitions extend beyond the field. The Chiefs intend to create jobs and
establish academies in the provinces, while also improving opportunities for girls in sport.

She specifically highlighted the need for changing facilities where female players can train with privacy and dignity.

The jersey, she said, brings together the country’s colours, patterns and pride. McPherson gave special credit to the women who shaped the club’s visual identity and design, including marketing general manager Peggy Maha and designer Tabu.

Having lived in Papua New Guinea for 17 years and been involved in the local league since 2010, McPherson reflected warmly on her journey.

She recalled watching rugby league across Lae, Goroka, Mount Hagen, and Enga, including women playing in the Santos Cup through heavy rain.

She also took a moment to thank her daughter, Niamh, who traveled from Scotland for the event, as well as her chair, board, colleagues, and family for their unwavering support throughout the long journey.

As the Chiefs prepare for their NRL debut, McPherson said the team will carry the hopes of both countries. She invited Australians to imagine what it would mean to have 10 million people behind a club.

For Papua New Guinea, she concluded, the most powerful symbol is a single jersey which is a visible sign that
the country is ready to take its place on the world stage.

“The child with the radio is about to have a jersey of its own,” McPherson said. “They’re going to be able to say, ‘This is my team.’"