ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys is lobbying the Albanese government to give NRL players an irresistible reason to join a new franchise in Papua New Guinea – tax free status.
Fatima Kdouh and
Peter Badel
February 21, 2024 - 4:03PM
ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys says NRL stars willing to move to Papua New Guinea could ‘earn double’ the money as part of a plan to grant players tax-free status. V’landys revealed plans to lobby the Albanese government to green light the move as part of the governing body’s expansion strategy, which includes a proposed 18th team in the Pacific.
“One of the areas I will be approaching the government on is in order to make it attractive to go over there, we are going to ask the government that people be given tax-free status,” V’landys revealed. “If you’re going to go over there and work, to encourage you to go to Papua New Guinea, you should earn that money tax-free.”
The move would give NRL players a chance to really cash in on their market value, making Papua New Guinea an irresistible option for some of the game’s biggest stars. The NRL is pushing ahead with plans for expansion in either 2026 or 2027, with Papua New Guinea firming as the next franchise to join the competition.
Drawing from his experience as Racing NSW boss, V’landys believes a tax exemption would sweeten the deal for not only players but coaches and club administrative staff.
“One of the problems I have in racing is that in Hong Kong they have a 15 per cent tax base,” V’landys said. “So all staff in racing are attracted to go to Hong Kong because they are only paying 15 per cent."
“The wages are the same, but the tax rate is so different, they can go over there, spend three years there, and earn double what they would in Australia. “Hopefully, that will encourage our retired players, our officials, our coaches if our government allows us to have a tax free, or lower tax rate to encourage them to go to PNG, that will make the initiative much more successful.”
Last week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese backed V’landys plans to expand the NRL to a 20-team competition.
The Albanese government has already declared it is prepared to commit $600 million to a team in the Pacific as part of a ‘soft diplomacy’ strategy into the region. Given the federal government’s vocal support, tax concessions for NRL players is a genuine possibility.
“I am very supportive of an 18th NRL team in PNG,“ said Albanese, who visited the White House with V’landys last year. “This is a game changer for the relationship with Papua New Guinea.”
After exploring the option of housing a new Pacific team in far north Queensland, the governing body now prefers to base the franchise in Papua New Guinea. V’landys said the latest outbreak of violence in the country, which left at least 50 people dead, would not deter the governing body from basing the new club in the troubled country.
“Papua New Guinea is not going to happen tomorrow, it’s going to happen in two or three years so hopefully the situation and the environment is going to change,” V’landys said.
“It’s certainly an option to house them in Papua New Guinea. A pretty high profile coach believes if you’re going to get the engagement in PNG you have to be based there. Justin Olam came out and said the same thing. It wasn’t just him (the coach) who said it. Some of the money can be spent on housing over there.”
The game’s broadcasters – Foxtel and Channel 9 – have thrown their support behind a campaign to bring back the North Sydney Bears as part of expansion plans. The push to revive the Bears has the backing of V’landys with the proposal to join the NRL to include the entire Pacific region, including New Zealand.
“My motto is to defy impossible. My attitude is never say never. People always underestimate but I’m determined to keep improving the game,” V’landys said. “My aim during my next term is more expansion and getting a foothold in the American market. It’s crucial. It has the potential to give us tens, if not hundreds, of millions. I would like to expand to a 20-team comp in the coming years.”
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