The inaugural chairman of the Australian taxpayer-funded Papua New Guinea NRL team has revealed he was ousted from the post and didn’t quit.
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‘I did not walk away’: PNG NRL chair reveals he was forced out
January 23, 2026 — 2.33pm
The inaugural chairman of the Australian taxpayer-funded Papua New Guinea NRL team has revealed he was ousted from the post and didn’t quit.
The NRL announced the departure of Ray Dib in a brief statement this week, saying he was being replaced as head of the PNG Chiefs board by businesswoman Catherine Harris.
Ray Dib was named as the PNG team’s first chairman last June.Credit:Steven Siewert
The NRL did not give a reason for the exit of Dib, but the former Canterbury Bulldogs chairman said on Friday that it was not his decision.
“I did not walk away,” Dib said. “I am disappointed I was unable to complete my tenure with the PNG Chiefs, as I had always intended to see our journey through. I did not resign because I believe in PNG and its people.”
Dib said in a statement he was “committed to governance, process and transparency as foundational pillars for any successful organisation”
.
The NRL declined to comment.
The PNG NRL franchise was
formed as part of a $600 million Albanese government deal in a bid to counter China’s influence in the Pacific.
The historic expansion team is due to enter the competition in 2028, becoming the 19th club in the NRL following the addition of Perth Bears next year.
The elevation of Harris, a former member of the Australian Rugby League Commission, which controls the NRL, leaves the Chiefs with women occupying the chair and chief executive positions. Lorna McPherson, who had been a Chiefs director, was appointed as the new CEO last week.
Dib was an influential figure in rugby league during his eight-year reign as chairman of Canterbury before being deposed in a club election in 2018.
He also served on the board of the NSWRL.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and PNG counterpart James Marape announce the Pacific nation’s new NRL team in December 2024.Credit:Kate Geraghty
“I sincerely appreciate the support from [PNG] Prime Minister James Marape, the Australian DFAT team, the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby, especially [High Commissioner] Ewen McDonald, the PNG community, and the business sector,” he said.
“My gratitude also goes to the PNG Chiefs board members who supported me, the PNGRFL, the NRL staff, and to [Sydney Roosters chairman] Nick Politis for recommending me for this opportunity and for his support.
“I genuinely wish the best for everyone involved with the PNG Chiefs. The country truly deserves success.”
The NRL said in a statement on Wednesday that “we take the opportunity to thank Ray for his efforts in the establishment and early development of the PNG Chiefs”.
The latest personnel change in Port Moresby was made as the incoming team and the NRL finalised an agreement on accommodation for players and prepared to begin work on a centre of excellence training facility near the country’s national stadium.
The venture is the Australian government’s signature sports diplomacy project, with $290 million of taxpayer money set aside for the franchise alone over 10 years.
A further $250 million is being directed towards rugby league pathways and development programs in Fiji, Tonga and Samoa as well as PNG, while $60 million of the government package was paid directly to existing NRL clubs as a licence fee.
The Chiefs board includes former PNG international and Melbourne Storm grand final winner Marcus Bai as well as business figures such as Ian Tarutia, the former CEO of PNG’s largest superannuation fund, Richard Pegum, the executive chairman of ASX-listed Pacific Lime and Cement, and Stan Joyce, a leader in the food and beverage industry.
Harris co-founded fruit and vegetable chain Harris Farm Market.
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