'Historic moment': PNG Chiefs unveil logo ahead of NRL entry

Jarred Cross Published October 21, 2026 at 4.30pm (AWST)

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The incoming clubs identity has been revealed with a launch in Port Moresby. Image: Dan Himbrechts(AAP).

Papua New Guinea and rugby league fans have their first glimpse of what the Chiefs will look like when they enter the competition in 18th months time.

The incoming franchise revealed its logo at an event in Port Moresby on Wednesday, alongside its first official supporter jersey.

PNG Chiefs said the unveiling marks "an historic moment" and "watershed occasion" with branding representing the millions of people in Papua New Guinea.

*The PNG Chiefs inaugural logo. Image: supplied, PNG Chiefs*

Local artist TABU is behind the design of their first revealed jersey.

The club outlined how the chief, central to the logo, is a representation of leadership, authority and custodianship.

Per the club, there are four main elements of the logo, designed by Papua New Guinean graphic artists.

The identity launch comes after a New Zealand's High Court application for an interim injunction by the nation's rugby union governing body.

New Zealand Rugby has raised issue with the use of the Chiefs as a club name, which would operate in Aotearoa / NZ as part of the NRL, claiming it clashes with the existing Super Rugby Pacific side of the same name.

Both black and white iterations of the PNG Chiefs supporter jersey were unveiled.

*Local artist Tabu Pelei Warupi (TABU) with the supporter jersey featuring her design. Image: Dan Himbrechts/AAP*

PNG Chiefs chief executive Lorna McPherson said "there will only ever be one logo and one first jersey" and their reveal is a defining moment.

"Today marks one of the most significant milestones in the journey of the PNG Chiefs," she said.

"This is the first time that our club has its true, complete identity - a logo and jersey that our players, partners and fans can hold to as their own.

"The logo of the PNG Chiefs tells a story about Papua New Guinea - our people, what makes us strong and what makes us unique. The jersey of the PNG Chiefs is more than what players wear when they take to the field - it is a symbol of belonging, unity and the opportunity to represent millions of Papua New Guineans on the national stage."

Australian Minister for Sport Annika Wells, Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy and Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong were among dignitaries there for the launch.

PNG Prime Minister James Marape was also present.