THE Australian Rugby League Commission has signed a new ‘Statement of Partnership’ with Pacific Rugby League federations with the Prime Ministers of Australia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Tonga all present to witness the document.

ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys signed the historic document in Brisbane on Wednesday prior to that night’s State of Origin decider, alongside his counterparts from the PNG, Tonga and Samoa.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, PNG PM James Marape, Samoan PM Laʻaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt and Tongan PM Lord Fakafanua all witnessed the landmark moment.

The partnership is supported by a A$250m investment by the Australian government, part of the broader A$600m commitment, which includes support for the entry of the PNG Chiefs into the NRL in 2028. It is intended to grow Rugby League across the Pacific, with the game acting as a catalyst for social change and deepening Australia–Pacific people-to-people and institutional links.

“From the proud island nations of the Pacific, to the suburbs and regions of Queensland and New South Wales, Rugby League unites us and inspires us,” said Albanese, himself an avid South Sydney Rabbitohs supporter.

“The first signing for the PNG Chiefs, Jarome Luai is a powerful symbol of that: a Premiership player, Origin winner and an Australian who takes pride in his Samoan heritage. The partnership we launch today celebrates these connections.

“Today, our Pacific family draws closer together. We bond around a shared love of this great game, a shared investment in our young people and their future and a shared commitment to the region we call home.

“This is a great day for Rugby League, for all our nations and for the next generation.”

A strong focus of the partnership will be introducing young boys and girls to Rugby League early and building participation in the sport, including through schools.

The Pacific Rugby League Partnership will be delivered by the ARLC in partnership with the national Rugby League federations of Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Samoa and Fiji.

Samoa Prime Minister La’auli Leuatea Schmidt noted that 50 per cent of NRL players were of Pasifika heritage, including the likes of Jason Taumalolo, Stephen Crichton, Payne Haas and Luai.

“Investing in sport is also investing in stronger community, and more prosperity for our future and our region,” he said.

“Rugby League is more than a game, it is a source of national pride, the way we bring community together and a powerful platform to develop our young people and presentation for new opportunities.”