With legal action and lawyers circling in the background, the PNG Chiefs have unveiled their official logo and jersey on what Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape hailed as a day that secured "the future for our children".
The ceremony in Port Moresby on Wednesday took place amid controversy over the use of the "Chiefs" branding, due to the existence of the Waikato-based Chiefs in the Super Rugby competition.
The New Zealand High Court recently rejected an application for an interim injunction by New Zealand Rugby (NZR), which sought to prevent the PNG Chiefs using the branding.
The judge in Wellington ruled that the proposed injunction could harm the NRL expansion club's ability to attract players ahead of their 2028 entry into the competition.
The battle over the trademark and naming rights will continue, with a final injunction still before the court.
For now the PNG Chiefs have clear air and are making the most of it.
The logo, designed by a team of Papua New Guinean graphic artists, has as its centrepiece the face of a chief, adorned by a five-feather headpiece decorated with kina shells and a cassowary bone through his nose.
The symbols represent qualities such as national pride, courage, power and unity.
"Today marks one of the most significant milestones in the journey of the PNG Chiefs," club chief executive Lorna McPherson said.
"This is the first time that our club has its true, complete identity ... a logo and jersey that our players, partners and fans can hold to as their own."
The jersey features cultural drawings by TABU, a renowned Papua New Guinean artist.
The new franchise was given its impetus by an injection of $600 million by the Australian government, with $290 million set aside for direct support of the Chiefs over a 10-year period.
Another $60 million was allocated for NRL licence fees, and $250 million for the Pacific Rugby League Partnership with Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Samoa and Fiji.
There has been debate over the use of taxpayer funds for the venture, but the PNG prime minister had a message for Australians who have their doubts.
"To Australian taxpayers I want to say one thing, your contribution is not in vain," Marape said on Wednesday.
"Your investment will be returned in many many ways."
Of the two nations, now united by an NRL team, Marape added: "We are marked by geography. We are marked by history and what we are doing today is securing the future for our children."
The focus of the government funds was stipulated to be not just about providing pathways to the NRL and NRLW for elite players, but also to enhance the grass roots via school programs, with a focus on girls.
The funding also targets social impact aims that include fostering healthy lifestyles and increasing school attendance.
The Chiefs have been active and successful in the player market, with big-name recruits Jarome Luai, Brian To'o, Joey Manu, Alex Johnston, Zac Lomax and Connor Watson already signed for 2028.
The Chiefs are currently seeking to sign Canberra and NSW back-rower Hudson Young.
