PNG Chiefs reveal logo and jersey ahead of NRL entry
Wednesday 21 October 2026 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated In this story Chiefs, NRL, New Zealand Rugby, Penny Wong
The PNG Chiefs have unveiled their inaugural logo and black jersey during a ceremony in Port Moresby. The club is set to join the NRL as its 19th team in 2028. This launch follows a High Court victory against New Zealand Rugby regarding the use of the Chiefs name.
Key facts
5 facts
- PNG Chiefs to join NRL in 2028 as the 19th team
- Australian Government committed A$600 million over 10 years to the partnership
- New Zealand High Court rejected New Zealand Rugby's urgent injunction regarding the Chiefs name
- The logo includes elements representing status, courage, the nation, and wealth
- The jersey features cultural drawings by local artist TABU
The full story
1 min read · 4 outlets
The PNG Chiefs have unveiled their inaugural logo and jersey in Port Moresby following a High Court ruling that rejected an injunction by New Zealand Rugby. The club is set to join the NRL in 2028 as the competition's 19th team. The legal dispute involved New Zealand Rugby seeking to prevent the use of the Chiefs name to avoid brand confusion. However, Justice Karen Grau ruled that the two teams are distinct as they play different sports in separate competitions.
The logo features a chief with a feather headpiece, a cassowary bone, a face shaped like the nation, and kina shells. The jersey features cultural drawings by local artist TABU and was modelled by development players Gairo Voro, Morea Morea, and Finley Glare. The club's chief executive, Lorna McPherson, stated the launch was a significant milestone that provides the club with a "true, complete identity".
The NRL expansion is supported by the Australian Government, which has committed A$600 million over 10 years as part of a Pacific rugby league partnership. This funding includes A$290 million for direct support of the Chiefs, A$60 million for NRL licence fees, and A$250 million for the Pacific Rugby League Partnership. The investment aims to enhance grassroots through school programmes and foster healthy lifestyles.
The Chiefs have already signed several players for the 2028 season, including Jarome Luai, Zac Lomax, Brian To’o, and Alex Johnston. Other signed players include Joey Manu and Connor Watson. The club is also currently seeking to sign Hudson Young.
How it developed
- Wed 21 Oct, 2:14pmThe report specifies the breakdown of the A$600 million Australian Government funding and lists additional signed players like Joey Manu and Connor Watson.
Where reports differ
- One report mentions the club has already signed players such as Brian To'o, while another adds Joey Manu and Connor Watson to the list of recruits
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald, Stuff, The Post and 1News.
