The PNG Chiefs are moving rapidly to bridge the developmental divide in Papua New Guinea rugby league, with Chief Executive Officer Lorna McPherson identifying the Under-19 level as the most critical missing link in the current national structure.

McPherson confirmed that closing this “U19 gap” is a top priority last week thursday at the home of Chiefs, Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby with a concrete strategic plan expected within the next two months. A key component of this strategy involves leveraging Australian partnerships to provide elite-level exposure for young prospects, including active discussions to involve PNG’s U19 talent in Queensland-based competitions.