PNG is a developing nation, with the requisite government corruption and social problems that come with rapid growth and exposure to western ideals and the flow of money. This will change over time.
The population of PNG is anywhere between 10M (official estimates) and 17M (estimates from UN satellite imagery in 2022, a study funded by Australia). Population growth is estimated at 11% per annum.
Flight time from Sydney to Port Moresby is approx. 4 hours (Perth is 5, Christchurch 3).
Rugby League is the national sport, and is part of the school curriculum.
$600M of government funding is blatant chequebook diplomacy. But in this case raises the level sophistication of such a deal above a new port or oil and gas project, as it has a direct impact on all citizens of PNG. The entire nation will get behind it.
Cynically, we know that at the front of Albanese's mind in all of this is the prospect of a Chinese navy dockyard approximately 800km from Cairns.
In terms of the logistical problems presented with the establishment of a team in Port Moresby, is this short-term thinking? In 20 years it could be a franchise to admire (and fear).