Papua New Guinea international sporting engagements

Papua New Guinea is preparing for several international sporting events, most notably a rugby league series against Australia. The 2026 Prime Minister’s XIII series, scheduled for October 3 in Port Moresby, featured matchups across junior and senior levels, including the PNG Orchids and PNG Kumuls against Australian counterparts.

This series was viewed as a significant cultural and diplomatic link between the two nations. There has been discussion regarding Australian investment in Papua New Guinean rugby league, including a proposed 600 million Australian dollar plan to establish a local team in the National Rugby League, though such funding may be tied to geopolitical security pacts.

Following these preparations, Papua New Guinea is co-hosting the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. The tournament begins with a critical opening match between Papua New Guinea and Lebanon on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. The match is described as a “must-win” for both sides to remain in contention for the knockout stages. Papua New Guinea seeks a victory to maintain momentum ahead of subsequent matches against Samoa and England, while Lebanon, led by coach Michael Cheika, aims to replicate their 2017 performance.

In addition to rugby league, the Papua New Guinea Public Servants Netball Association announced that its Masters Team 40+ would compete in the Pan Pacific Masters Games in Australia this November.