Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has warmly welcomed Australian rugby league star Zac Lomax as the fifth player signed by the PNG Chiefs, describing the recruitment of one of the game’s premier outside backs as another major milestone in Papua New Guinea’s journey towards its historic entry into the National Rugby League (NRL).
Prime Minister Marape said Lomax’s decision to join the PNG Chiefs reflected the growing international confidence in Papua New Guinea’s vision to establish a world-class NRL club that would unite the nation and showcase the country to the world.
“I warmly welcome Zac Lomax into the PNG Chiefs family and, indeed, into the Papua New Guinea family. Zac becomes Chiefs Player No. 005, joining an exciting group of elite players who have committed themselves to helping build a successful franchise and a lasting legacy for our country. He is one of the finest utility backs in rugby league today. Equally at home at centre, wing, fullback and five eighth, Zac is a world-class player whose experience, professionalism and leadership will strengthen our squad both on and off the field,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape noted that Lomax has represented the Australian Kangaroos and the New South Wales Blues in State of Origin, establishing himself as one of Australia’s leading rugby league players through his outstanding performances in the NRL.
“We commend Zac and his family for their willingness to become part of the PNG Chiefs campaign. We are not simply building a rugby league team. We are building a national movement that has the power to unite our people and inspire a generation of young Papua New Guineans,” he said.
“Papua New Guinea is home to more than 800 languages, making it the world’s most linguistically diverse nation. Yet despite our diversity, rugby league has always united our people like nothing else. The PNG Chiefs represent far more than football. They represent our shared national identity and our aspiration of One Team. One People. One Nation. One Country,” he added.
“In the midst of the many challenges we face as a developing nation, sport has an extraordinary ability to bring our people together around a common purpose, strengthen national pride, and promote peace, unity and happiness,” Marape stated.
Prime Minister Marape said the PNG Chiefs would also become a powerful driver of tourism and international recognition for Papua New Guinea.
“The Chiefs have enormous potential to become a catalyst for sports tourism. As international players, officials, supporters and media travel to Papua New Guinea, they will experience our country’s spectacular natural beauty, our unique cultures and the warmth and hospitality of our people,” he said.
“We expect the PNG Chiefs to attract more visitors, stimulate domestic tourism, create business opportunities and elevate Papua New Guinea’s profile on the global stage,” Marape stated.
The Prime Minister also welcomed the strong family support shown by the club’s new signings.
“It has been wonderful to see our new players embracing Papua New Guinea together with their families. I acknowledge Zac’s parents, his fiancée, his management team and everyone who has supported him throughout his career. Your presence demonstrates the strong family values that are shared by both Papua New Guinea and the PNG Chiefs,” he said.
“We look forward not only to seeing Zac perform in the Chiefs jersey, but also to seeing him inspire young Papua New Guineans to dream big, work hard and contribute positively to our nation. The greatest legacy of our players will not simply be the matches they win, but the lives they inspire. On behalf of the Government and the people of Papua New Guinea, I warmly welcome Zac Lomax to our country and to the PNG Chiefs family. Together, we look forward to building a team that will unite our nation, inspire our youth and proudly represent Papua New Guinea on the biggest stage in rugby league,” The Prime Minister concluded.