The soon-to-be newest NRL franchise has a name, with the Papua New Guinea Chiefs officially unveiled on Sunday afternoon.
The team name, which was announced ahead of kick-off between the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII and Papua New Guinea, came after the PNG NRL Franchise Board and PNG Government launched a competition to name the team in August.
The other name shortlisted was the Pythons.
Every game LIVE with no ad-breaks in play on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
PNG Prime Minister Hon. James Marape explained: “Our forefathers and mothers were chiefs who kept order, peace, and balance among our tribes.
“As we play on the world stage, the PNG Chiefs will carry that same spirit — the strength of unity in diversity.
“Everyone felt that Chiefs was more appropriate on the basis that we are a sovereign nation of many tribes; over 850 languages and 1000 tribes. Before there was a Prime Minister, and a King or Queen in England, the sovereign head within the tribe was the Chief.
“In our country, about 30 per cent are matrilineal, so it fits in well when girls run on as Chiefs because there is a traditional context in our history.
“In East New Britain, Milne Bay, Bougainville and New Ireland, women are also chiefs. They hold land rights, they make the final decisions.
“The name just blends in well with the authenticity of where we came from as a nation of so many tribes, united into one nation in 1975 and gifted by Australia. It has a strong meaning to our authentic identity.”
Papua New Guinean fans show their support during the 2017 Rugby League World Cup match between Papua New Guinea Kumuls and Ireland on November 5, 2017 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)Source: Supplied
The Chiefs will officially enter the NRL in 2028, with the Australian Rugby League Commission announcing in April an initiative aimed at developing rugby league talent in PNG.
As part of the initiative, NRL teams will be able to sign up to two PNG pathway players outside the salary cap. The players, who must have participated in junior rugby league in PNG, will have their full salaries exempt from both the Top 30 and Supplementary Salary Caps.