The event is being staged by the Australia-PNG Network, supported by the Lowy Institute. It takes place from 11am to 1pm on June 27 at UQ, Teaching Suite 227, 308 Queen Street in Brisbane.

 

"Rugby league is a shared passion in Australia and Papua New Guinea, and, potentially, a powerful connector between the two countries. Sports diplomacy transcends borders, fosters mutual understanding, and promotes shared values. Half of all Australian National Rugby League players have Pacific heritage," the Aus-PNG Network said.

 

"As Australia looks to build closer ties with Papua New Guinea, the prospect of a PNG team joining the NRL has emerged as one way to strengthen people-to-people links. The PNG bid represents an effort to increase the presence of Papua New Guinean players in professional rugby league.

 

"If successful, it would make PNG the only country outside Australia and New Zealand to have a team in the NRL. But the bid is not without its challenges," the Aus-PNG Network says.

 

Australian Pacific Minister Pat Conroy Pacific will give the keynote address and then will join a panel discussion with Amelia Kuk (former PNG Orchids and Brisbane Broncos player) and David Mead (former PNG Kumuls captain, Gold Coast Titans and Brisbane Broncos player).

  

The event will be chaired by Mihai Sora, Aus-PNG Network project director at the Lowy Institute. 

 

Register for the event at this address: https://tinyurl.com/yxywhh2p