‘Full steam ahead’: NRL boss confirms PNG’s 2028 entry

National Rugby League chief executive officer Andrew Abdo remains confident that Papua New Guinea will make its long-awaited entry into the competition in 2028, despite recent leadership upheavals and speculation about delays.

The PNG franchise has already faced turbulence, with managing director Wapu Sonk stood down and interim CEO Andrew Hill departing to take charge of the Panthers.

Abdo said that a process to appoint a new CEO was underway.

“Expansion is a challenge no matter which team but we’re up for it,” he said when asked if there were concerns about the PNG team.

“We have a plan in place, and congratulations to Andrew Hill on his appointment. Very soon we’ll be finalising his successor and we have a plan for that. It’s full steam ahead. There’s a lot of work to do but we’re excited for the opportunity.”

Abdo brushed aside rumours of setbacks, insisting that PNG’s debut date is set.

“2028 is locked in,” he said during the NRL finals launch in Sydney.

However, not everyone shares the same optimism.

Channel 9 Sports reporter and Sydney Morning Herald columnist Danny Weidler has reported that PNG’s entry could be delayed or may never eventuate. According to Weidler, NRL clubs are already spending payments earmarked as part of PNG's admission, fearing the team may not get off the ground.

The Albanese government has committed $600 million to the project as part of a broader strategy to strengthen regional ties and counter China’s growing influence. Of that, $60 million will go directly to the NRL as a licence fee, split among the existing 17 clubs. Each club has already received a $1.75 million grant, with a total of $4 million promised by 2029.

Weidler said Hill’s exit underscores instability in the franchise and raised questions about whether PNG is falling behind schedule. He also highlighted unease within the game about taxpayer money being channeled into a politically sensitive project.

“There are whispers throughout the game that the PNG team will be delayed, or may not even happen at all,” Weidler reported. “The NRL says the team will start on schedule in 2028, but concerns remain about what happens if the project collapses and whether clubs would be required to pay back the funds.”

He also revealed that tax-free incentives have been promised to lure players and staff to PNG, with the Australian government backing the arrangement.

Despite the uncertainty, Abdo maintains that the NRL is committed to PNG’s 2028 debut, calling it an exciting step for the game and the region.