Queensland Rugby League continues to work closely with the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) thanks to the ongoing partnership of PacificAus Sports, participating in a series of meetings in Port Moresby.
PacificAus Sports is an Australian Government sports diplomacy initiative creating opportunities for Pacific athletes, coaches, officials, and administrators the learn, grow, train, and play together.
As Papua New Guinea approaches 50 years of independence on Tuesday 16 September, QRL’s General Manager of Community Rugby League, Adam Vanzanten, and Financial Controller, Aidan Wade, led discussions focused on building a game for the country’s next generation. It was sport diplomacy in action: positive relations delivering practical outcomes.
Both organisations have common challenges and complimentary strengths. PNG’s community connection is extraordinary.
Queensland’s club frameworks and volunteer systems are proven and ready to share. The commitment is to share knowledge openly, exchange what works, adapt it locally and measure results where the game is actually played and watched.
A clear priority emerged around match officials. Instead of ignoring the issue, both bodies agreed to lead on respect for referees because it is the foundation for a safe and enjoyable game.
The approach is optimistic and solutions-driven: set the standard, make it visible, and support officials so they stay.
Queensland’s measures are already in place and producing change. Under-18 referees wear green socks so crowds and team staff recognise they are minors. A respect round with reports of incidents dropping by about a third.
Ground managers in red vests having the authority to issue warnings or stop play when behaviour crosses the line. Public address announcements make it clear that poor spectator conduct brings club demerit points and potential suspension.
Most importantly coaches are accountable for the standard they set on the sideline, because their influence carries over to their team and their teams supporters.
Support continues beyond match day. QRL is building a full pathway for officials through referee coordinators and coach mentors, strong referee associations that provide voice and support, healthy match payments to attract new young referees, and regular courses that lift capability and confidence.
PNGRFL will follow suit by piloting a recruit, retain and plan model in selected districts, backed by shared templates and volunteer recruitment plans adapted from recent QRL workshops.
Next steps are defined and joint. PNGRFL will implement referee support and match-day controls alongside coach education, while QRL provides ongoing guidance.
Behaviour and retention will be tracked together to refine and scale successful initiatives.
This is the power of diplomacy in rugby league: two neighbours comparing experiences, solving shared problems and setting a higher standard for officials and communities across the Pacific.
