Papua New Guinea NRL team has ‘nothing to do with China’

It is anticipated a Papua New Guinea rugby league team will be confirmed as the NRL's 18th expansion side as early as next week. The Albanese government has committed to a $600 million deal to support the team over a decade. There were reports the team's inclusion would depend on a promise not to sign a security deal with China. Papua New Guinea's Foreign Minister said Australia has not insisted on any formal security agreements and the deal 'has nothing to do with China'.