PNG Chiefs Unveil Logo and Jersey for 2028 NRL Debut

The PNG Chiefs officially unveiled their inaugural logo and jersey in Port Moresby on Wednesday, as the National Rugby League’s 19th team prepares to enter the competition in 2028, according to Fox Sports.

Inside the Identity Design of the NRL’s Newest Franchise

Chief executive Lorna McPherson and guests gathered at the Hilton in Port Moresby for the launch. Promising development players Gairo Voro, Morea Morea, and Finley Glare modelled the striking new black home strip. Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape and Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong attended the event alongside Australian Rugby League Commissioners Peter Beattie and Wayne Pearce.

The club explained that the chief was chosen as the focal point of the logo because he represents leadership, earned authority, and custodianship. Designed by a team of Papua New Guinean graphic artists, the logo features four key elements. The feather headpieces represent strength, beauty, chiefly status, and national pride, incorporating the Southern Cross to connect the club to the nation’s flag. The cassowary bone draws inspiration from warrior traditions to represent courage, power, and fighting spirit. The face reflects the geographic shape of Papua New Guinea, adorned with ceremonial red paint to show a nation united. Finally, the kina shells represent traditional wealth, trade, and prestige across the coastal, island, and highland communities. The jersey itself features cultural drawings by well-known local artist TABU.

The Ongoing Trademark Battle With New Zealand Rugby

The milestone arrived amid an active legal dispute over the club’s moniker. Last week, New Zealand Rugby applied for an urgent injunction in a bid to protect the brand name of the Chiefs, which is shared by its Super Rugby franchise, according to News.com.au. However, a judge rejected that application, allowing the launch to proceed.

ARLC commissioner Peter Beattie addressed the ongoing legal conflict during the launch. As reported by News.com.au, Beattie stated that the league would not be compromising, noting that the team’s name was chosen by Papua New Guinea via a public competition. The case is scheduled to be heard in a New Zealand courtroom early next year. NRL boss Peter V’landys has vowed to defend the naming rights vigorously, accusing New Zealand Rugby of hypocrisy given that the Auckland Blues were formed in 1996 without consultation or approval.

Building the Inaugural 2028 Playing Roster

While the team remains 18 months out from playing its first official NRL fixture, the front office has already secured several high-profile player signings. Star playmaker Jarome Luai became the club’s first signing back in April, followed shortly by NRL all-time leading try-scorer Alex Johnston, as reported by News.com.au. Additional commitments have been secured from rugby converts Zac Lomax and Joseph Manu, alongside winger Brian To’o and English forward Matty Lees. Local development players Gairo Voro, Morea Morea, and Finley Glare round out the initial player announcements.

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