New Board Members of PNG NRL Franchise Announced

The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea Honorable James Marape officially announced the inaugural Board Members of the newly established Papua New Guinea National Rugby League franchise on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at the Santos National Football Stadium Club Lounge in Port Moresby. 

The board comprises seven members, featuring six men and one woman, to be chaired by former Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Chairman, Ray Dib. The inaugural PNG NRL board will concentrate on the commercial side of the business and look for a suitable franchise name that represents both PNG and Australia.

Present to witness the occasion were Prime Minister James Marape, Sports Minister Kinoka Feo, Australian Minister for International Development and Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy, ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys, NRL CEO Andrew Abdo, including the PNGRFL board and other distinguished guests.

While announcing the PNG NRL franchise board, Prime Minister James Marape acknowledged the Australian Government, including the ARLC and NRL, emphasizing the importance of PNG and Australia’s endearing relationship. 

“It is my extreme honor and privilege to welcome our friends from Australia. On behalf of the 11 million-plus people of PNG, I want to say thank you to the Australian Government for standing with us in uniting the two nations through rugby league,” said Prime Minister Marape.

“We’ve been walking together for 50 years. We have stood side-by-side since PNG took independence in 1975. The story is about the construct of our relationship not just today but beyond that. We are joined to the heaps.

“In a nation of so many divisions - whether it’s a division along politics, Christian church affiliations or tribal affiliations - sports does unite. For us PNG, it is rugby league that unites this country. 

“The NRL has caught on to our vision even though they have many competitions to secure a space in the NRL. They were kind enough to accept our bid based on merit, so we are deeply thankful for that. 

“Your investment in the next ten years of A$600 million into this program is not an investment in vain. You are investing in a country that is home to over 5,000 Australians who live, work and operate here, and also investing in your closest neighbor.”

Minister Pat Conroy said: “We are at the heart of rugby league not just in Papua New Guinea, but in the world. The first State of Origin game was played on PNG’s soil 80 years ago and we should never forget that. 

“I can say as a true fan of rugby league, I’ve been to many rugby league stadiums in Australia, but there’s no better atmosphere than right here. The crowd of 15,000 here is louder than a State of Origin because the people of PNG are fanatical, and that’s why I’m so enthusiastic about this team.

“A PNG team in the NRL has been talked about for decades, but it’s only through the vision, leadership and sacrifice of Prime Minister Marape that it has been delivered, so thank you Prime Minister for your leadership. Thank you to everyone involved in making this dream become a reality. 

“This team is a national unification project that will bring the people of Australia and PNG together. And that’s one of the reasons the Australian Government is backing it in uniting our two great nations.”

ARLC Chair Peter V’landys said: “The importance of this franchise goes well beyond winning games of football. It is about nation-building and bringing our two countries closer together.”

Prime Minister Marape congratulated the seven inaugural board members of the PNG NRL franchise and challenged them to deliver for the new team as they ramp up preparations to enter the top-flight competition in 2028. The seven (7) interim board members are:

• Ray Dib - Chairman  

• Wapu Sonk

• Ian Tarutia

• Marcus Bai

• Stan Joyce

• Richard Pegum

• Lorna McPherson