PNG set to be announced as NRL's 18th team by June

The NRL is preparing to announce a Papua New Guinea side as the 18th team by next month, according to journalist Michelle Bishop.

Expansion has been at the forefront of the NRL recently, following the recent success of the newest side The Dolphins, who were introduced at the start of 2023.

A Papua New Guinea side looms as the favourite as the Australian Federal Government looks to support the team in order to strengthen diplomatic ties with the Papua New Guinean government. Rugby league is the country’s official national support.

Michelle Bishop says the decision for Papua New Guinea to join the NRL is largely strategic.

“We all have to realise that this decision will be more about national security, diplomatic strategy if you like, so obviously investing sport in that region to counter China’s growing influence over there,” Bishop told Breakfast with Vossy and Brandy.

“The NRL will make an official call on the 18th team to join the NRL by next month. I stand by what I said 7 months ago, it’s obviously going to be PNG (Papua New Guinea).

“We had the PNG Prime Minister over here in February at parliament talking about nurturing the relationship with Australia. Rugby league is a religion over there and it’ll do absolute wonders for that nation.”

Bishop also reported that the NRL were looking to quickly add a 19th side that would feature the return of one of rugby league’s legacy clubs in a new location; the North Sydney Bears in Perth.

“They’ll be known probably as the Perth Bears with some kind of relationship with a team over there in Perth,” Bishop added.

“They’re pushing to create the 19th franchise by 2030, 5 years’ time, which could include a joint venture.

“Obviously Peter V’Landys is really keen, we understand there’s a massive fan base over there with the Bears.”

With nothing yet confirmed, other potential expansion locations suggested have been South-East Queensland or a second New Zealand team.