The PNG Chiefs has unveiled its official logo and supporter jersey, marking a major step in building the brand identity of the NRL’s newest club ahead of its competition debut in 2028.
The logo, designed by a team of Papua New Guinean graphic artists, and the jersey, featuring cultural drawings by renowned local artist TABU, were displayed for the first time in Port Moresby on Wednesday alongside representatives from the Papua New Guinea and Australian Governments, PNG Chiefs and the NRL to celebrate the watershed occasion for the NRL’s newest club.
The mark of the logo is a chief formed from elements drawn across Papua New Guinea: from the Highlands to the Islands, from Momase to the Southern coastline.
The chief was chosen as the central figure of the logo because, across the many cultures of Papua New Guinea, he represents leadership, earned authority and custodianship of his people.
The logo is comprised of four key elements – the feather headpiece demonstrating status, earned; the cassowary bone demonstrating the courage of the warriors; the face demonstrating the whole nation, worn; and the kina shells, demonstrating wealth value and the Islands.
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PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson said the occasion was a defining moment for the club as it firmly etched its name into the history of Papua New Guinea.
“Today marks one of the most significant milestones in the journey of the PNG Chiefs,” McPherson 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.
“We know the responsibility that comes with establishing this club and we are incredibly proud to show our club to the world today. We strive for the PNG Chiefs to be something our country is proud of in every way – not because of the success that we will achieve on the field, but for the opportunities and legacy we will create for our country.
“I’d also like to acknowledge the tremendous work that has gone into making this moment happen for our club and the people of Papua New Guinea – the efforts of our staff and all those who we have collaborated throughout this process. Thank you for ensuring that this moment is as special as it is for our club and our nation,” she continued.
“Today is the beginning of something truly special.
“There will only ever be one logo and one first jersey, and today we take a huge step forward in truly bringing the PNG Chiefs to life.”
PNG Chiefs chair Catherine Harris said the launch of the logo and supporter jersey was a defining moment in establishing the club’s identity, pride and aspirations.
“I am proud to stand alongside all in our club and celebrate our logo and jersey, which are unmistakably Papua New Guinean,” Harris said.
“In reflecting the culture, character and pride of the nation, this identity belongs to more than the club – it belongs to the people of Papua New Guinea, and we want everyone involved with this great club to feel like they are a part of something truly special.
“As we build towards 2028 and then beyond, we will look back on this defining moment as a pivotal step in creating a sustainable and successful club – helping to deliver a legacy that future generations of Papua New Guineans can be proud of.
“On behalf of the board of directors, I’m incredibly honoured to share this milestone with the people of Papua New Guinea as we proudly show our club to the world.”
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Papua New Guinea Kumuls stars and 2028 PNG Chiefs development players Gairo Voro, Morea Morea and Finley Glare were present at the event to model the jersey, with the trio also promoted in official merchandise content created by the club.
The supporter jersey features cultural drawings by TABU, a renowned Papua New Guinean artist, carrying the nation’s artistic heritage onto the jersey and into every stadium the club calls home.
The supporter playing kit includes the club’s foundation corporate partners for season 2028 and beyond including principal partner BSP, PNG LNG, Coca-Cola, Nambawan Super, SP Lager, Struddys, Taylor Pacific, Toyota t/a as Ela Motors and K92 Mining.
Staying on the footy field, Woolworths has made a play in rugby union, signing on as the official supermarket supporter of the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029.
Held on Aussie soil, the partnership reinforces Woolworths’ long-standing support for sport, joining a portfolio of partnerships that include Cricket Australia, Netball Australia, Netball New Zealand, the Australian Olympic Team and Paralympics Australia.
On the sponsorship, Woolworths CMO Sean Barrett commented: “Aussies and Kiwis love their local fresh food, as well as their sport, with fresh food at the heart of how we connect, celebrate, and support communities on both sides of the Tasman.
“Partnering with the Rugby World Cup is a wonderful opportunity to bring these two passions together – showcasing the very best local produce to fuel players and bring fans together around the table or the barbie, as these global tournaments return to local shores.”
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