Australia will put in more than $2.2 million to get high-performance rugby league across the line in Papua New Guinea.
The high-performance strategy will improve preparation for the women's and men's national teams, enhance opportunities for female players and help foster homegrown talent.
It will be driven by the PNG Rugby Football League with support from the Australian government and Queensland Rugby League.
Sports Minister and Queensland MP Anika Wells says the state is well placed to build on the rugby league partnership
"Between Queenslanders and our close neighbours to the north, you'll never find two groups of people who love their rugby league more," she said.
"This is a perfect partnership in assisting the next generation of Orchids (women's team) and Kumuls (men's team) to reach their potential."
The PNG Hunters have been part of the Queensland Cup since 2014.
The federal government puts aside more than $15 million each year to help create pathways for Pacific athletes both in Australia and internationally.
The announcement came just ahead of the Prime Minister's XIII Rugby League matches on Sunday.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will host PNG counterpart James Marape in Brisbane for the games.
It comes as PNG continues to work towards an NRL team.
