Lorna McPherson happy to lead PNG Chiefs

The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) recently announced the appointment of Lorna McPherson as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Papua New Guinea Chiefs. 

Among all the strong male candidates applying for the top job, the ARLC and PNG Chiefs Board collectively agreed to hand over the reins to the lone female candidate, Lorna McPherson. 

McPherson is no stranger to PNG, having lived in the country for 16 years, serving in various capacities as PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) Board Director and PNG National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) Board Director, among other notable roles.

McPherson brings with her extensive commercial and sports leadership experience in PNG, giving her the leverage to set the foundation for Papua New Guinea's national team ahead of joining the NRL in 2028.  

The newly appointed Chief of Chiefs said she was humbled to be given the CEO position, highlighting her plans to build a robust team that reflects PNG's cultural values and way of life in the biggest competition.

“My role as the CEO of the PNG Chiefs means I will be in charge of running the administration and making sure that the club is run right. I will be making sure that we appoint a strong team right across the board,” McPherson stated. 

“I’m so humbled and proud that I’ve been appointed the CEO of the PNG Chiefs. It’s been an amazing journey over the last 16 years of being involved in rugby league in PNG. I want to create the most fantastic team - one that reflects the team's culture and who we are as Papua New Guineans. 

“I also want to build a winning team by recruiting the right people. I will not let the country down. I’m very passionate about the game. I love the game with all my heart. I’m so excited for the new job and proud to represent PNG in this role.”  

PNGRFL CEO Stanley Hondina added: “Lorna is not new to the game. She was brought into the PNGNRLC Board in 2010. From there, she has been with the game and fell in love with it. We welcome Lorna’s appointment and wish her the best in her new role.”

CEO McPherson and her board have a mammoth task of building a Center of Excellence, a Village Compound for the players, and other facilities to prepare the national franchise to enter the NRL by 2028. 

Despite those challenges and less than a year to prepare, McPherson is confident of delivering everything on time, ensuring that the Chiefs are fully ready to join the top-flight competition and become a force to be reckoned with in 2028 and beyond.