Inaugural board of Papua New Guinea franchise announced

The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) has announced the inaugural board members of the PNG franchise, to be chaired by Ray Dib.

The initial seven members of the include business and industry leaders in both PNG and Australia. An eighth independent director will still be appointed by the Board itself, after considering which additional skills the board requires.

The first ever board of the PNG franchise will comprise:

Ray Dib (Chairman)

Lorna McPherson

Richard Pegum

Stan Joyce

Wapu Sonk

Ian Tarutia

Marcus Bai

ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM and NRL CEO Andrew Abdo made the announcement in Port Moresby today alongside PNG Prime Minister, the Hon James Marape MP, and Australian Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, the Hon Pat Conroy MP.

“The importance of this franchise goes well beyond winning games of football, it is about nation building and bringing our two countries closer together,” Mr V’landys said.

“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.

“Rugby League is the number one sport in the Pacific, and this new Club will solidify Rugby League’s role as the unifying language of the region.”

Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, the Hon Pat Conroy MP, said: “The Albanese 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.”

PNG Prime Minister, the Hon James Marape MP, has also announced a competition giving fans the opportunity to vote for the name of the PNG franchise.

For full bios of the seven directors, click here.

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