“So, New Zealand Rugby’s only doing what they’re obligated to do and also what we’ve asked them to do.”
NZ Rugby are in contact with the NRL over the naming of the PNG Chiefs. Photo / Getty Images
Graafhuis explained he has not been involved in the direct communication between NZR and the NRL, but was open to both sides coming to an arrangement.
“As part of having a trademark, you’ve got an obligation to defend it. You’ve got to do that as soon as you can to minimise the damage to all parties.
“So, we’re obviously hoping to bring it to a conclusion before there’s a brand launch.”
The chief executive said this wasn’t the Super Rugby club being against a team in PNG, but the key focus was protecting the brand identity of his team.
“We’ve been operating with it for 30 years, so I think we’re well within our rights to actually protect it in the space we’re both playing, over ball code, similar part of the world, both transtasman.
“Most fans of rugby also like league and vice versa, so there is a big crossover here and like I say, this is about the brand, it’s not necessarily around the rest.”
In early September, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon claimed the PNG Chiefs were building the “best league team in the world” and said many New Zealanders will travel to the country to watch the new franchise play.
The Chiefs have seven players on their roster so far, including Jarome Luai and former New Zealand international Joseph Manu.