GO7539: Rugby League in the Pacific
The Australian Government has announced a total of $600 million in funding over ten years for Rugby League in the Pacific (the program).
A total of $480 million over ten years will be available through this grant program.
The program will run over ten years from 2024-25 to 31 December 2034.
It will support the entry of a men’s Papua New Guinea (PNG) team into the National Rugby League (NRL) competition no later than 2028.
It will also support women’s PNG team to compete in either the Queensland Women’s Premiership or the New South Wales Women’s Premiership and, subject to an assessment of its readiness, in the NRLW Premiership.
There are three grant opportunities:
- NRL licence
- PNG NRL Franchise
- and Pacific Rugby League Strategy
To be eligible applicants must:
- have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
- be registered for the purposes of GST
- have an account with an Australian financial institution
- be a legal entity with the capacity to enter into a legally binding agreement or contract
Additionally, for each grant opportunity only the organisations listed in the guidelines' invitation table will be invited to apply (e.g.
Australian Rugby League Commission Limited and NRL Limited for the listed opportunities).
You are not eligible unless you have received an invitation and are listed as an eligible invited organisation.
The Australian Government may agree to pay grant funding directly to another entity where proposed in application from an eligible applicant.
Get a personalised eligibility check — your match score, which criteria you meet, and what to watch out for.
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Last updated: 11 February 2026