The PNG Chiefs have strengthened their commercial foundations after securing Taylor Pacific Group as a Major Partner, with the Papua New Guinean business group set to feature on the front of the club’s inaugural NRL jersey.
The agreement represents another significant step in the Chiefs’ journey towards their historic entry into the National Rugby League in 2028, bringing together two organisations united by ambition, national pride and a belief in Papua New Guinea’s potential.
Under the long-term partnership, Taylor Pacific Group’s branding will occupy the sternum position on the Chiefs’ inaugural NRL jersey. The agreement will cover the club’s foundation and pre-NRL periods before continuing throughout its first four NRL seasons, from 2028 to 2031.
For the Chiefs, the deal is more than a sponsorship announcement. It is a powerful show of confidence from a major homegrown business backing Papua New Guinea’s next chapter in professional rugby league.
A PARTNERSHIP BUILT ON PAPUA NEW GUINEAN PRIDE
PNG Chiefs chief executive officer Lorna McPherson welcomed Taylor Pacific Group to the club, highlighting the importance of having established Papua New Guinean businesses involved in building the franchise.
McPherson said Taylor Pacific’s strong connection with households and communities across the country would create opportunities to connect the Chiefs with supporters well beyond the rugby league field.
With a portfolio of recognised consumer brands and a national business presence, Taylor Pacific offers the club an opportunity to strengthen its relationship with fans as excitement builds towards 2028.
McPherson also described the company’s presence on the inaugural jersey as a powerful statement of confidence in the Chiefs and what the club could mean for the nation.
TAYLOR PACIFIC: A HOMEGROWN BUSINESS BACKING A NATIONAL DREAM
Taylor Pacific Group owner and managing director John Taylor said the partnership reflected shared values of family, honesty, hard work and integrity.
As a Papua New Guinean business supplying products to families throughout the country, Taylor said the company saw a natural connection with a rugby league club aspiring to unite the nation every week.
He said both organisations shared ambitions to succeed in Papua New Guinea and beyond, adding that Taylor Pacific intended to make the partnership count both on and off the field.
That commitment reflects the wider opportunity surrounding the Chiefs: building a club that can compete at the highest level while inspiring confidence in what Papua New Guinean organisations can achieve.
CONNECTING EVERYDAY BRANDS WITH RUGBY LEAGUE FANS
Taylor Pacific Group operates across food production, manufacturing and retail, with brands including Hugo Canning, Ox & Palm, Ocean Blue, Stiepel Fresh Poultry, Ilimo Dairy, 9-Mile Farm, Pacifika Smokehaus and Stop & Shop Supermarkets.
The partnership creates an opportunity to connect those brands with the Chiefs’ growing supporter base through the club’s commercial and community activities.
As the franchise builds its identity, establishing strong links with communities throughout Papua New Guinea will be crucial. The Chiefs will need supporters to feel connected to the club long before the team runs onto the field for its first NRL match.
Having a major domestic business involved from the beginning gives the club another platform to build that connection.
THE ROAD TO 2028 GAINS MOMENTUM
The Taylor Pacific agreement adds to the growing list of commercial partnerships supporting the PNG Chiefs as preparations continue for the club’s planned 2028 NRL debut.
Building a successful franchise requires more than assembling a competitive playing squad. Strong commercial relationships, effective operations, community engagement and long-term financial support will all be essential to establishing a sustainable club.
For Papua New Guinea, the Chiefs represent an opportunity to showcase the nation’s passion for rugby league on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
With Taylor Pacific Group now on board, the club has secured another major partner that shares its ambition to build something lasting for the country.
Two homegrown ambitions. One national dream. The PNG Chiefs’ journey towards NRL history continues.
Author: Michael B