PNG is still likely to be the 19th team due for NRL entry in 2028. The PNG announcement, expected to be held in Sydney, will be a momentous moment for the rugby league-mad country.

NRL 2025: Matt Lodge praises NRL’s PNG expansion plans, puts hand up for new team. Matt Lodge has sung the praises of PNG, saying that rather than finding life on the rugby league mad nation ...

NRL 2025: Matt Lodge praises NRL’s PNG expansion plans, puts hand up for new team. Matt Lodge has sung the praises of PNG, saying that rather than finding life on the rugby league mad nation ...

Coming off an 18-point loss to PNG Hunters, Smith said there was some work to do. ”Every club wants to be there at the pointy end of the year and we are just like them,” Smith said.