The PNG Chiefs have taken another significant step toward their historic entry into the NRL in 2028, officially opening their new headquarters at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

 The milestone event brought together senior political leaders and club officials, underlining the national significance of Papua New Guinea’s bid to field a team in Australia’s premier rugby league competition.

 Among those in attendance were Prime Minister James Marape, Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko, NCD Governor Powes Parkop, and Australia’s High Commissioner to PNG, John Feakes.

 The ceremony was emceed by David Townsend, who described the moment as “a major step” toward the club’s 2028 debut, adding that excitement was building across the country.

 Chief Executive Officer ffor PNG Chiefs, Lorna McPherson said the opening of the club’s first-floor office at the Santos National Football Stadium marked the beginning of a new chapter for the organisation.

 “Today really marks a very important milestone for the Papua New Guinea Chiefs,” McPherson said.

 She thanked national leaders for attending, saying their presence reflected the importance of the club not only in sporting terms but as a vehicle for broader national development.

 “We know how much your time means to you, and having you here shows the importance of the club to Papua New Guinea and the shared belief in what the club will do for PNG — not just in sport, but about national pride, about uniting the country, and about the economic opportunity the team will bring.”

 McPherson also acknowledged newly appointed Chair Catherine Harris, General Manager Michael Chammas, and fellow board directors, praising the leadership and experience being assembled ahead of the club’s entry into the NRL.

 Setting out her vision, McPherson said the club would be founded on “culture, family, pride and uniting the country together,” with ambitions to become a lasting national institution.

 “We are going to build a national institution for Papua New Guinea, one that we will be proud to leave behind,” she said.

 “Institutions outgrow all of us, and it’s something we as a team will be very proud of as we go forward.”

 While acknowledging that the organisation is still in its early stages — with only two employees currently on staff — McPherson said groundwork was already underway to establish the club’s long-term operational framework.

 Key priorities include:

 The current offices at the stadium will serve as temporary headquarters until the planned Centre of Excellence is completed.

 “We’re moving with purpose and determination,” McPherson said. “This is a start.”