"Rugby league is the national sport of Papua New ... It's a massive project," he said. Australia is PNG's top aid donor, providing A$637 million in assistance this year to the developing nation ...

The introduction of a PNG team is arguably the single biggest development in the history of the NRL and one that will have an impact across the game and throughout the Pacific.

"Rugby league is the national sport of Papua New ... saying it simply reaffirms Australia as PNG's top security partner and existing commitments made under a security pact both countries signed ...