In short:

The future of an NRL team based in Papua New Guinea could be dependent on a promise from the Pacific nation not to increase security or defence ties with Beijing.

A potential deal that would see Australia provide $600 million to set up a side in Port Moresby includes an assurance no security deal with China is signed by the Pacific nation.

What's next?

Australia and PNG are nearly ready to sign the deal to create the NRL team, which the Australian government has described as a way to bring the two nations closer together through soft diplomacy.

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[–] jaek@aussie.zone 1 points 1 month ago (1 children)

600m sounds a bit steep for a football team, what's the scam?

[–] zero_gravitas@aussie.zone 1 points 1 month ago

Up to $600 million in Australian federal funding over 10 years would go towards setting up the franchise, player development, education and community outreach programs.

I imagine they'll be spending a fair chunk of money on flights, and maybe some stadium facility upgrades, too? I have no idea what the expenditure of an NRL club generally looks like.