How US President Joe Biden cost New Zealand a second NRL team – with PNG set to be given the nod
- Papua New Guinea will get its next NRL franchise in 2027
- US President Joe Biden is involved in the conversation
- The US and Australia want to reduce Chinese influence in the South Pacific
- A full-time NRL team based in PNG could support the delicate process
A multi-billion dollar financial commitment from US President Joe Biden may have scuppered New Zealand’s dreams of fielding a second NRL team – with Papua New Guinea joining the competition ahead of the 2027 season would participate.
In April, President Biden signed a $158 billion global war relief measure – with the deal further strengthening relations between Australia and America.
Part of the deal reportedly includes $12.44 billion in an effort to reduce growing communist Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific.
According to the New Zealand heraldThe financial commitment guarantees that a full-time sports franchise representing PNG will gain entry into the NRL as early as 2027.
New Zealand hoped to field an NRL team from Christchurch, towards competition with the Warriors, who are based in Auckland.
US President Joe Biden may have scuppered New Zealand’s dream of fielding a second NRL team (pictured, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese)
Despite the popularity of the Warriors (pictured), a full-time NRL team based in Papua New Guinea could negate the growing influence of communist China in the South Pacific
It also follows Prime Minister and Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’Landys meeting President Biden at the White House last October.
At the dinner, Biden told Albanese he supported his plans to invest in sports as a diplomatic strategy to prevent growing Chinese ambition in the South Pacific.
Albanese also confirmed that V’landys has made an immediate connection with Biden as the NRL looks to tap into the lucrative US sports market.
In March, the NRL successfully staged a double header at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to kick-start the 2024 NRL season.
“It was an incredible journey,” Albanese said at the time.
‘It was also great to have Peter there. I made sure he had a good time to talk to Joe.
“Going to the White House was fantastic and a great honor to represent Australia.”
V’Landys is said to have left Washington and immediately fast-tracked PNG as the 18th NRL franchise, armed with $6.59 million in guaranteed funding from the Australian government.