Queensland Rugby League and PNGRFL

The Australian Government has partnered with Queensland Rugby League (QRL) through PacificAus Sports since 2020 to strengthen and expand the existing sporting partnerships between the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL), SP PNG Hunters (Hunters) and their Australian rugby league organisations.

Through the partnership, QRL leverages the ongoing development of PNGRFL's High Performance Plan with a focus on sustaining the PNG Hunters participation in the QRL, improving national team player pathways for men and women, and improving the organisation capability, sustainability and resilience of PNGRFL.

Partnership activities include:

• Support for the sustainability of the PNG Hunters

  QRL is contributing to the sustained participation of the Hunters in the Hostplus Cup, which is pivotal for rugby league in PNG. Beyond representing PNG internationally, the Hunters program creates pathways for aspiring youth, contributes to community pride and further strengthens relationships between PNG and Australia.

• Elite women's program

  QRL is elevating women's rugby league in PNG through the establishment of a Women's National Rugby League Competition (WNRLC) and Women in Rugby League program to support the creation of structured pathways for junior female players, strengthen community engagement, and provide holistic development of female athletes from wellbeing to performance.

• Training and education

  The QRL is advancing high performance coaching, sports training, and strength and conditioning accreditation and qualifications within PNGRFL. Through ongoing development programs, QRL is cultivating a pool of certified coaches and performance experts to build a sustainable high-performance structure, ensuring the elevation of rugby league standards in PNG.