The PNG Chiefs have today marked an historic moment ahead of the club’s entry into the NRL Telstra Premiership competition in 2028 with its official logo and supporter jersey unveiled in a special event in Port Moresby.
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.
As a club representing the world’s most linguistically diverse nation with more than 800 languages spoken across Papua New Guinea, the PNG Chiefs logo represents more than just a city or a province – it represents the millions of people who call it home.
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 role the club seeks to play as a rare institution
belonging to an entire country and proudly bringing its name on to the world stage.
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.
• The feather headpiece: Inspired by Papua New Guinea’s ceremonial plumes,
the five feathers represent strength, beauty, chiefly status and national pride, with
the Southern Cross connecting the club to the nation’s flag.
• The cassowary bone: Inspired by warrior traditions, the cassowary bone
symbolises chiefly status, courage, power and the fighting spirit of the team.
• The face: The chief’s face represents the shape of Papua New Guinea, with
ceremonial red paint showing a nation united through one warrior, one team and
one purpose.
• The kina shells: Representing traditional wealth, trade and prestige across
Papua New Guinea’s coastal, island and highland communities, the kina
symbolises the value, legacy and future the club is building for the nation.
PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson said the occasion was a defining moment for the club as it firmly etched its name into the proud 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.
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“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 said.
“Today is the beginning of something truly special.
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“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 unmistakeably 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.”
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.
Fans in Papua New Guinea will be able to purchase the official supporter jersey from several licensed outlets right throughout the country, while fans in Australia and beyond can make orders online as well as in selected stores.
Full details and information can be found on the club’s website www.nrlpng.co
