PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea — Spirit of the Game: PM Marape Lauds Brisbane Broncos for Igniting Hope and Passion Among PNG Youth Through Rugby League Visit
In a week marked by jubilation, unity, and inspiration, Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape has heaped praise on the Brisbane Broncos organization for their remarkable visit to Port Moresby — a trip that transcended sport to touch the hearts of thousands of young Papua New Guineans.
The visit, which featured both the Broncos’ men’s and women’s teams, served as a bridge between two nations deeply connected by rugby league. The Australian powerhouse club brought along some of its biggest stars, including men’s team captain Adam Reynolds, veteran playmaker Ben Hunt, and electrifying fullback Ezra Mam. The women’s contingent featured standout players such as Romy Teitzel and Jada Ferguson, all of whom engaged with local communities, schools, and fans during a whirlwind tour that blended celebration with mentorship.
Prime Minister Marape, addressing the media at the National Football Stadium (NFS) on Sunday, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Broncos’ organization for sending their players and the coveted NRL trophy to PNG. “This visit goes beyond rugby league. It is about hope, unity, and showing our young people what dedication and teamwork can achieve,” Marape said. “The Broncos’ gesture reminds our youth that through sport, there is purpose, there is discipline, and there is a pathway to greatness.”
The highlight of the week was an electric halftime parade at the National Football Stadium, where the Broncos players were met with thunderous cheers from tens of thousands of fans waving flags and chanting in celebration. The team proudly displayed the NRL Premiership Trophy, allowing many in attendance to see the championship silverware up close for the first time. The stadium roared with emotion as players danced, waved, and interacted with the passionate crowd, symbolizing the unbreakable bond between PNG and the sport that defines its national identity.
A Sporting Visit with a Deeper Message
Beyond the spectacle, the Broncos’ visit had a clear mission: to inspire and empower PNG’s next generation through sport. The team participated in coaching clinics, community visits, and youth engagement sessions in schools across Port Moresby. Players took time to share personal stories about perseverance, respect, and teamwork, emphasizing the importance of education and hard work alongside athletic ambition.
Ben Hunt, who spent part of his junior career in Queensland’s grassroots rugby league system, said he was humbled by the reception and energy of PNG fans. “You don’t truly understand the love this country has for rugby league until you’re here,” Hunt said. “Everywhere we went, kids were smiling, chanting, and just wanting to be part of something bigger. That’s powerful. It shows how sport can unite people.”
For many in Papua New Guinea — where rugby league is not just a pastime but a shared cultural heartbeat — the Broncos’ presence represented both recognition and opportunity. The sport serves as a vital outlet for young people, especially in rural areas, offering lessons in discipline, leadership, and resilience.
Prime Minister Marape’s Vision: Sport as a Tool for Transformation
Prime Minister Marape has long been an advocate for youth development through sports, frequently highlighting the potential of partnerships between PNG and professional organizations abroad. His government has supported initiatives aimed at upgrading sporting facilities, training coaches, and fostering international exchanges to help local talent reach professional levels.
“The passion our young people have for rugby league is unmatched,” Marape said. “When they see players like Ezra Mam or Adam Reynolds walk onto our field, they see what’s possible. This is about showing them that talent from this part of the world can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in Australia and beyond.”
Marape also thanked the Broncos’ management for their continued commitment to strengthening ties with PNG, describing the collaboration as a “model for how sport can build bridges and inspire a generation.” He emphasized that the visit aligns with PNG’s broader goals to use sport as an instrument of social development, character building, and national pride.
Broncos’ Longstanding Ties with PNG
The Brisbane Broncos have cultivated a loyal following in Papua New Guinea over the decades. Many fans trace their passion for the club back to the early 1990s, when rugby league broadcasts from Australia became a staple in PNG households. The team’s visits have always drawn massive crowds, but this latest appearance carried special significance following their recent NRL success.
Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy described the trip as one of the most rewarding moments of the club’s post-season calendar. “PNG is the true heartland of rugby league,” Donaghy said. “To see the smiles, to feel the emotion in the stands, and to share our victory with the fans who have supported us from afar—it’s something our players will never forget.”
Fans Celebrate in True PNG Fashion
The atmosphere at NFS was nothing short of electric. Fans donned traditional attire mixed with Broncos jerseys, their faces painted in red, gold, and black—the national colors of Papua New Guinea. Chants of “Broncos! Broncos!” echoed through the stadium, mingling with the beat of kundu drums and the melody of local choirs performing national songs.
Among the crowd was 14-year-old student and rugby hopeful Peter Kai, who said the experience “felt like a dream.” “Seeing the players live made me want to train harder,” Kai said. “They told us to believe in ourselves, and now I really feel I can do something with rugby.”
A Legacy Beyond the Game
As the Broncos concluded their tour, the sentiment across Port Moresby was one of gratitude and renewed optimism. Local rugby administrators and youth coaches have already expressed hopes that the visit will spark increased participation in youth leagues and community sports programs.
For Prime Minister Marape, the moment symbolized more than a fleeting sporting celebration. It was a reflection of PNG’s enduring spirit — a nation that continues to draw strength and unity from its love of rugby league.
“The Broncos’ visit reminds us that greatness begins with belief,” Marape said in his closing remarks. “Our young people must continue to dream, to work hard, and to know that with faith and effort, they too can make their mark on the world stage.”
As the Broncos’ convoy departed the stadium, fans lingered in the stands, waving flags and singing with uncontainable joy — a powerful image of sport’s ability to unite, inspire, and transform lives across borders.
— POST COURIER NEWS SERVICE
