There's scope for the NRL to get involved in helping to combat high rates of domestic violence in Papua New Guinea, the federal government has flagged.
The new Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Steve Ciobo, is bound for Port Moresby on Thursday for a two day official visit.
"I'm very excited in my new role ... to be exploring opportunities with the NRL for greater engagement in terms of public diplomacy in PNG," Mr Ciobo told AAP.
He said the NRL and popular players could be highly regarded ambassadors promoting appropriate conduct.
Rates of domestic violence in PNG are among the highest in the Pacific region.
Two thirds of women experience abuse and half are subjected to rape.
When PNG played the Australian prime ministers's XIII in a league match in Port Moresby last month, players wore jumpers that said "Strong Men Respect Women".
Mr Ciobo will also meet with Australian business representatives to talk about private sector growth in PNG.
The Australia PNG Business Council in September told then-prime minister Tony Abbott about troubles accessing foreign currency as well as delays obtaining visas for both countries.
Mr Ciobo said visas had been an ongoing issue for many years and that Australia was looking at different options.
"But that said, we need to maintain the strong discipline we have for all countries with respect to Australia's border protection," he said.
"We are seeking to apply the same standards across the board."
He said Australia was working with PNG on its budgetary issues stemming from the country's monetary challenges such as a drop in commodity prices hitting government revenue.
Moves to convert Australian advisers to contract roles in PNG will also be on the agenda when Mr Ciobo meets with government ministers.
PNG is keen to get the contingent of 73 Australian Federal Police more operational out on the beat.
At the moment they can only conduct training and mentoring because of a PNG constitutional issue with granting them immunity.
Mr Ciobo said he appreciated the importance of the officers' capacity building work.
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