PNG NRL Team Home Games to be Hosted at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape and outgoing Australian High Commissioner to PNG, John Feakes, have officially signed documents confirming PNG’s entry into the NRL. The signing took place earlier this week at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium (SHMS) in Port Moresby.
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| PNG NRL Team Home Games to be Hosted at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium |
The grand opening ceremony was attended by NRL legend Cameron Smith, PNG NRL Bid CEO Andrew Hill, Bid Chairman Wapu Sonk, National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop, Sports Minister Kinoka Feo, and other distinguished guests. The event marked a major milestone for PNG’s rugby league ambitions.
During the official signing on Wednesday, Prime Minister Marape announced that Sir Hubert Murray Stadium would serve as the home venue for the PNG NRL team’s home games. He stated that this decision aligns with the nation’s long-term commitment to strengthening its presence in the prestigious competition.
While SHMS has been confirmed as the primary home ground, Marape acknowledged that if the stadium is not ready by 2028, the Santos National Football Stadium could serve as a temporary alternative. However, he emphasized that SHMS remains the permanent venue for the team’s future matches.
NCD Governor Powes Parkop assured that efforts are underway to ensure SHMS is fully prepared before 2028. He confirmed that discussions with investors and stakeholders are ongoing to accelerate the necessary upgrades and meet NRL requirements.
The decision to designate SHMS as the PNG NRL team’s home stadium was based on key factors, including its historical significance and larger seating capacity of 25,000, compared to 15,000 at Santos National Football Stadium. Additionally, SHMS features a permanent concrete and steel structure, unlike the scaffold-based setup at Santos.
To meet NRL standards, SHMS will undergo major renovations in two phases. The first phase will focus on internal improvements, such as roofing, seating, lighting, and communications infrastructure. The second phase will involve stadium expansion, featuring a high-rise hotel and car park complex as part of Harbour City’s corporate development plans.
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