Prime Minister Marape Opens PNG Chiefs Office

In a small but significant ceremony held today (February 17th) in Port Moresby, Prime Minister James Marape cut the ribbon and formally opened the PNG Chiefs headquarters at Santos National Football Stadium, Level 1. 

Following the recent reshuffle on the board with the appointment of Lorna McPherson (CEO), Catherine Harris (Chairwoman), and Michael Chammas (General Manager), the new office will house the Chiefs board to execute their work plan.

Prime Minister Marape said having a PNG team participate in the NRL is a ‘unification strategy’ for the country, encompassing not just sports but business, tourism, education opportunities, and people-to-people relationships with Australia.

“This is a national strategy that will unite the most diverse nation on the planet. No other nation comes close to us - over 800 languages and having our own distinct, tribal structures, this must live beyond James Marape and perpetually,” Marape stressed.

“Sport is a universal language, just like music. Recognizing the power of sports, more so rugby league as the number one code in the country, we want to unite our people in sports, business, and tourism.”

The Prime Minister extended his sincere appreciation to the Australian Government, Australian Rugby League Commission, the PNG Rugby Football League, and everyone else involved behind the scenes in making this long-held vision become reality.

Marape paid homage to the founding Prime Minister, the late Grand Chief Michael Thomas Somare, who championed the idea of fielding a PNG team in the NRL some 20 years ago, and also recognized the contributions of PNGRFL’s former administration.  

Honorable Marape revealed that the Government had funded K100 million, with the money earmarked for building the Center of Excellence, Village Compound for players and their families, Player Recruitment, and appointment of the Coaching Staff. 

The Commander-in-Chief thanked PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson, Chairlady Catherine Harris, and General Manager Michael Chammas for accepting the role and wished them well as they work on the foundation of the new franchise alongside the PNG Chiefs board ahead of the 2028 entry in the NRL.