Australia turns to rugby to curb China influence in PNG
The Pacific nation has produced many stars of Australia's National Rugby League (NRL) and has long been lobbying to join the franchise. Australia will provide A$600m (£301m, $384m) over ten years to set up the team – which will be based in Port Moresby and compete from 2028 – and help develop the game at a grassroots level across the Pacific region.