Pacific leaders have signed a landmark $250 million, 10-year rugby league partnership aimed at expanding the sport across the region, creating new pathways for players and supporting community development programmes.

The Pacific Rugby League Partnership was formalised in Brisbane by the leaders of Tonga, Samoa, Fiji and Papua New Guinea alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The agreement will invest in grassroots competitions, school rugby league programmes, youth development and initiatives designed to strengthen communities.

The partnership comes as rugby league continues to play a significant cultural role across the Pacific, with a large proportion of elite players in the National Rugby League (NRL) having Pasifika heritage. Leaders described the agreement as an investment not only in sport, but also in education, leadership and opportunities for young people.

The deal also supports the expansion of Pacific representation at the highest level of the sport through the Papua New Guinea Chiefs, who will become the NRL’s 19th team in 2028. The Port Moresby-based team is expected to provide a professional pathway for emerging talent from Papua New Guinea and other Pacific nations, including Tonga, Samoa and Fiji.

The agreement includes plans to explore hosting NRL and NRLW matches in Pacific countries, alongside existing international competitions such as the Pacific Championships. Such matches could bring elite rugby league closer to local communities and encourage greater participation.

Tonga Prime Minister Lord Fakafānua joined other Pacific leaders at the signing and welcomed the opportunities the partnership could create for young athletes and communities.

The 10-year accord represents one of the largest regional investments in Pacific rugby league and aims to build a sustainable future for the sport across the Pacific.