The logo features a chief composed of four key elements – the feather headpiece demonstrating status earned, the cassowary bone demonstrating the courage of the warriors, the face which is in the shape of the nation and kina shells, demonstrating wealth and the islands.
The jersey was then shown off with already-signed development players Gairo Voro, Morea Morea and Finley Glare showing off a black strip. The PNG Chiefs also have a white alternative strip.
PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson said the occasion was a defining moment for the club as it firmly etched its name into the proud history of Papua New Guinea.
“Today marks one of the most significant milestones in the journey of the PNG Chiefs,” McPherson said. “This is the first time that our club has its true, complete identity – a logo and jersey that our players, partners and fans can hold to as their own.
”The logo of the PNG Chiefs tells a story about Papua New Guinea – our people, what makes us strong and what makes us unique. The jersey of the PNG Chiefs is more than what players wear when they take to the field – it is a symbol of belonging, unity and the opportunity to represent millions of Papua New Guineans on the national stage.
“We know the responsibility that comes with establishing this club and we are incredibly proud to show our club to the world today. We strive for the PNG Chiefs to be something our country is proud of in every way – not because of the success that we will achieve on the field, but for the opportunities and legacy we will create for our country.”
The Chiefs Super Rugby logo is on the left, while the new PNG Chiefs logo is on the right.
However, the launch came close to not even happening after NZ Rugby took the Australian Rugby League Commission (operator of the NRL, and owner of the Chiefs), to court over the name of the Chiefs, saying it would cause confusion and damage to the brand.
NZ Rugby said they have trademarks on both sides of the Tasman for the Chiefs’ Super Rugby franchise and says it is focused on protecting the brand.
But Justice Karen Grau rejected the urgent injunction during a two-hour hearing in Wellington on Friday.
“These two teams are clearly distinct. One is from Hamilton, New Zealand and has existed since 1996. The other is from Papua New Guinea, since 2026,” Justice Grau said.
“They play a different sport in a separate competition. I posed the question at the hearing: What would be the confusion? Might a [New Zealand] Chiefs fan buy a ticket for the wrong game, or buy the wrong jersey?”
Despite the major legal setback, NZ Rugby is expected to persist with its trademark fight, with more court action likely early next year.
ARCL Commissioner Peter Beattie said they plan to continue fighting for the name, making reference to Justice Grau quotes before saying: “I don’t practice law but I rest my case.”
Players, coaches and staff will be housed in secure, resort-style accommodation in Port Moresby, with 67 furnished, serviced apartments at the Airways Resort available to the club. A separate purpose-built Chiefs Players Village is under development.
The club has signed seven players for its inaugural 2028 season, including former Kiwis star Joey Manu, with NRL record tryscorer Alex Johnston, and four-time premiership winner Jarome Luai.
Panthers winger Brian To’o, Roosters utility Connor Watson, former Parramatta and Newcastle outside back Zac Lomax and English forward Matty Lees round out the Chiefs’ confirmed recruits.
Last month, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon declared the PNG Chiefs are building the “best league team in the world” and predicted plenty of Kiwis will travel to Papua New Guinea to watch the NRL’s newest franchise, despite safety concerns over travel to the nation.
The National Party leader made the bold claim during a press conference with PNG Prime Minister James Marape, where they discussed a new direct flight between Port Moresby and Auckland, which would be up and running in 2028.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.