The Pacific nation has produced many stars of Australia's National Rugby League (NRL) and has long been lobbying to join the franchise. Australia will provide A$600m (£301m, $384

Australia will spend US$385 million to establish a team from Papua New Guinea in its rugby league competition, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Thursday, a move designed to help ward off China. Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape said the team -- which is due to enter the competition "no later" than 2028 -- would "unite" the nation.

Australian government will invest £300m in a new rugby league team based in Papua New Guinea. But there’s a catch – and it has nothing to do with the sport