PNG’s rugby league dream takes shape with new NRL board
Prime Minister James Marape has officially announced the inaugural board of the Papua New Guinea National Rugby League [NRL] franchise, lifting the country’s journey towards fielding a team in the world’s premier rugby league competition by 2028.
The board will be chaired by seasoned rugby league administrator and businessman Ray Dib, who formerly served as chief executive officer of the Canterbury Bulldogs.
“This is a dream over 17 years in the making, and today, that vision becomes reality,” Marape said during the announcement in Port Moresby.
“We now have a team—thanks to the trust of Peter V’landys, Andrew Abdo, and the entire NRL executive. You will not regret this move. PNG brings 10 million passionate fans to the game.”
The newly formed board is a blend of high-profile leaders from both Papua New Guinea and Australia, drawing on expertise from business, sports, and government sectors. The members include:
Ray Dib (Chairman)
Lorna McPherson
Richard Pegum
Stan Joyce
Wapu Sonk
Ian Tarutia
Marcus Bai
The Prime Minister stressed the independence and professionalism of the new board, stating that both the PNG and Australian governments will support the team but not interfere in its operations.
“They [board] will be running this team from a business perspective. Two governments will stay away from it,” Marape said. “We will give support, but we have no hand in the way the team is running this sports business.”
Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V’landys welcomed the announcement and praised the calibre of the board.
“The Prime Minister announced a very high-powered board. Some of the top business people from Papua New Guinea. Most of them are residents of Papua New Guinea. They know the business sector here,” V’landys said.
“They know the ecosystems here. We're very confident in their ability to deliver. And I think, as I said, we'll be very competitive in the very first year.
“The importance of this franchise goes well beyond winning games of football, it is about nation building and bringing our two countries closer together.”
V’landys highlighted the wider significance of PNG’s inclusion in the NRL, stating that the club will act as a beacon of hope and opportunity across PNG.
“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.”
Australian Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Pat Conroy, added that the Albanese Government is fully backing the project.
“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.”
With a debut timeline set for the 2028 season, the franchise will operate under a five-to-ten-year support partnership with the NRL, allowing time to build capacity and ensure long-term sustainability.
“For us, having competency at the board level and competency at the business unit level ensures we not just get ready in 2028, but more importantly, the team is sustained going forward into the future,” Marape said.
“To NRL, I want to give you our fullest assurance. The government of PNG is stand ready. It is part of our national unification strategy.”