PNG LNG Backs PNG Chiefs With Education And Career Pathways Partnership

PNG LNG has joined the PNG Chiefs as a Premier Partner in a multi-year deal that will support the Papua New Guinean club's preparations for its first NRL campaign in 2028, while opening the door to education, mentoring and employment initiatives.

The agreement brings one of the country's largest private sector investors alongside the new rugby league franchise, with plans to connect schools, communities and players to opportunities that continue beyond their involvement in the sport.

 PNG LNG Backs PNG Chiefs With Education And Career Pathways Partnership

The sponsorship will see PNG LNG's branding displayed on the upper back of the men's playing jersey from the Chiefs' inaugural NRL season. The company's name will also appear across stadium signage, media backdrops, the club's digital channels and hospitality facilities.

The arrangement includes exclusive commercial rights for PNG LNG in the oil and gas sector, making the company the club's partner in that industry category.

Beyond the visibility associated with the team, the two organisations intend to develop an education and pathways programme targeting young people across Papua New Guinea.

The planned activities include visits and engagement with secondary schools, mentoring, work experience placements and the establishment of a PNG LNG Pathways Academy at the Chiefs' Centre of Excellence. The programme will also assist players in preparing for employment and other careers when their time in professional rugby league comes to an end.

Chiefs chief executive officer Lorna McPherson said the club wanted its influence to be felt in communities and classrooms, not just during matches.

“PNG LNG is one of Papua New Guinea's major private sector investors, and we're proud to welcome them as a Premier Partner as the PNG Chiefs build towards our first NRL season and continue to make an impact on our nation,” McPherson said.

“This is a substantial investment into our club, but we want this partnership to reach beyond what happens in 80 minutes on the field each week,” she said.

She said working with PNG LNG would allow the club to help students explore future careers and give its players greater support as they transition into working life.

“By working together on education and career pathways, we can help young people see the opportunities available to them and support players as they plan for life after the game. As we establish a club for all Papua New Guineans, partnerships like this will help create lasting connections between the team, schools and communities,” the Chiefs CEO said.

“We look forward to working with PNG LNG to build opportunities that will benefit people across the country.”

EMPNG chairman and managing director Dinesh Sivasamboo, speaking during the partnership signing, said the Chiefs had a role that extended beyond representing the country in rugby league.

“They are a core part of the national vision for a unified and prosperous Papua New Guinea, and it is truly inspiring to stand alongside the PNG Chiefs in the build-up to their NRL start in 2028,” he said.

PNG LNG operates the $19 billion PNG LNG project and is a major contributor to Papua New Guinea's private sector investment and energy industry.