The Australian Government, the Government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) are pleased to announce the interim board for the PNG NRL franchise.
This is a major milestone on the road to PNG's historic entry into Australia's NRL competition by 2028.
The newly appointed interim board brings together a strong and diverse group of Papua New Guinean and Australian business leaders, with the skills and experience needed to guide the franchise to success.
The members of the board are:
Ray Dib (Chairman)
Lorna McPherson
Wapu Sonk
Ian Tarutia
Marcus Bai
Richard Pegum
Stan Joyce
Quotes attributable to Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, The Hon Pat Conroy MP:
"The Australian Government is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with PNG in supporting this once-in-a-generation opportunity.
"The PNG NRL team will be a catalyst for economic growth, creating jobs and boosting tourism.
"Together with PNG, we are building more than a team — we are building a legacy and underscoring our shared interest in stable and prosperous region."
Quotes attributable to ARLC Chairman Peter V'landys AM:
"The importance of this franchise goes well beyond winning games of football, it is about nation building and bringing our two countries closer together.
"The new NRL Club will provide a pathway for young people in PNG to follow their dreams and it will help transform societal and economic outcomes. This is an important moment for the NRL as PNG is set up to become a nursery of talent in the region for the entire competition, not to mention the millions of fans that will now follow a new team entering the competition.
"Today's announcement is a major milestone and sets the franchise on a path to great success both on and off the field. This Club will act as beacon of hope and opportunity across PNG and offer opportunity to young people hoping for a better future."