Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has announced that the new PNG team to enter the NRL in 2028 will be known as the Chiefs – a name with cultural significance for men and women.
Prime Minister Marape made the announcement to the capacity crowd at Santos National Stadium for the annual Prime Minister’s XIII matches between Australia and Papua New Guinea.
The selection of the Chiefs name was a joint decision by the governments of Papua New Guinea and Australia, with the Australian Rugby League Commission, following a public naming competition, which yielded more than 20,000 submissions.
The name was publicly unveiled before kick off in the men’s Prime Minister’s XIII match. A video played on the big screen counted down to the announcement and the Chiefs names was revealed.
The Prime Minister said Chiefs had particular appeal for the PNG team as the term Chief can be equally applied to a male or female leader in Papua New Guinea.
The PNG Chiefs also intend to establish an NRLW side, and the name would be used by both teams.
Prime Minister Marape said the PNG Chiefs name is a fitting emblem as the country celebrates 50 years of Independence in 2025, representing both the past and future of leadership in Papua New Guinea.
“Our forefathers and mothers were chiefs who kept order, peace, and balance among our tribes,” he said. “As we play on the world stage, the PNG Chiefs will carry that same spirit — the strength of unity in diversity.”
Prime Minister Marape earlier advised the PNG NRL Franchise Board of the choice and directors voted unanimously to name the team the Chiefs.
Two names were shortlisted: Pythons and Chiefs.
“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,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“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.
PNG PM James Marape and Australian High Commissioner Ewen McDonald with NRL CEO Andrew Abdo and the PNG NRL Franchise Board.
©Boje Wang/NRL Photos
“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.”
PNG’s campaign for an NRL team began in 2008 and finally came to fruition when Prime Minister Marape and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced last December that the nation would join the competition in 2028.
The franchise intends to also field an NRLW team and has established a series of girls academy teams around the country.
PNG NRL Bid Chairman Ray Dib formally proposed the team adopt the Chiefs name, with Kumuls legend Marcus Bai moving the motion and fellow Richard Pegum seconding it. The motion was passed unanimously.
“It’s a reflection of cultural significance for the people of Papua New Guinea,” he said.
“Papua New Guinea is a nation comprising over a thousand tribes, speaking more than 850 languages. Each tribe is traditionally led by its own Chief, whether male or female.
“This name reflects the cultural identity, leadership and tradition of honouring the people in Papua New Guinea.
“A Chief’s name embodies wisdom, unity, courage, and community.”