Lae, July 23, 2025 — A landmark rugby league coaching initiative, backed by the Australian Government, has kicked off in Lae this week — marking a major step forward in Papua New Guinea’s preparations for its historic entry into the National Rugby League (NRL) as the 19th team in 2028.
The PNG NRL Bid Coaching Initiative, led by the PNG NRL Bid Academy in partnership with the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL), delivered an intensive two-day coaching clinic on 21–22 July in Lae. The course, designed specifically for school-based coaches, is the first of its kind in the country to align with NRL Level 2 coaching standards used in elite competitions across Australia, New Zealand and the UK.
A total of 46 schoolteachers from 21 schools across Morobe Province took part in theory and practical sessions focusing on key areas such as tackle technique, play-the-ball mechanics, ruck strategies, and coaching philosophy.
The sessions were led by PNG NRL Bid Academy Coaching & Pathways Manager Joe Grima, supported by Australian high-performance experts Craig Culnane, Craig Brennan, and Tarik Houchar, along with Papua New Guinean rugby league legend Stanley Gene.
Australian Consul-General in Lae, Brenton Kanowski, visited the clinic to meet participants and congratulate them on successfully completing the course and earning their coaching accreditation.
“Teachers are the foundation of strong sporting pathways,” Mr Kanowski said.
“They are more than educators — they are mentors, coaches, and leaders who help young people build confidence, discipline, and teamwork through sport.”
He added that Australia was proud to support the initiative as part of its broader commitment to Papua New Guinea’s sporting development.
“Australia is proud to support this initiative as part of our broader partnership with Papua New Guinea — to not only help PNG realise its NRL dream, but to invest in grassroots development that benefits all communities.”
National Rollout Underway
The Lae clinic is the first of six regional coaching programmes scheduled to run across the country through to October 2025, with upcoming sessions planned in East New Britain, Eastern Highlands, Western Highlands, Central Province, and the National Capital District.
So far, more than 200 coaches from over 128 schools outside NCD and Central have already registered to participate.
The initiative is delivered under the PacificAus Sports programme and is part of a K2 billion, 10-year commitment by the Australian Government to support PNG’s NRL pathways and long-term team development.
It also emphasises gender inclusion in sport, with 48 female teachers and coaches confirmed to take part across all six clinics — a record for a rugby league training program of this nature in PNG.
“This first-of-a-kind coaching initiative is an historic step in building PNG’s coaching capability and strengthening grassroots rugby league like never before,” said Consul-General Kanowski.
Beyond rugby league, the Australian Government continues to work with Papua New Guinea across multiple sporting codes — including rugby union, Australian Rules football, netball, basketball, and athletics — to provide athletes, coaches, and officials with access to the tools and pathways they need to excel locally and internationally.
The PNG NRL Bid, formally backed by both governments, is more than just a sporting goal — it is a national aspiration that symbolises unity, pride, and international recognition for the country’s rugby league-loving population.
The successful launch of the Lae clinic underscores a key milestone on that journey.