Peter V’landys insists the NRL’s Papua New Guinea experiment is on track despite another boardroom shake-up for the controversial expansion club.
Inaugural chair Ray Dib suddenly departed the role on Wednesday, less than six months after being appointed head of the Chiefs to pilot the club’s NRL launch.
Dib, the former Canterbury Bulldogs chairman, has been replaced by prominent businesswoman Catherine Harris.
Harris was expected to take up a director’s role but has instead been appointed to the top job at the expense of Dib.
Dib’s departure comes just a week after Lorna McPherson was promoted from the board to CEO, replacing Andrew Hill after he oversaw PNG’s successful NRL bid before joining Penrith.
The PNG Chiefs have been rocked by the sudden departure of inaugural chair Ray Dib.
The Chiefs were also rocked in July after PNG businessman Wapu Sonk stood down from the board amid corruption allegations, of which he vehemently denies.
It has been a turbulent formation of the NRL’s 19th club, whose introduction has been heavily scrutinised due to the Australian Government’s $600 million commitment and tax-free incentives.
The Chiefs are due to enter the NRL Premiership in 2028 and ARL Commission chairman V’landys said they were on track despite the front office machinations and concerns over facilities and logistics in PNG.
“Absolutely, we’ve got accommodation and the centre of excellence organised.
Everything is going to plan,” he said.
“Catherine Harris is fantastic. We’ve got a super combination with Catherine Harris and Lorna who we think are going to knock the lights out.
“We are very fortunate to have women of that calibre working with one of the most important things the ARLC will do.”
Harris is chair of the successful Harris Farm Markets business across Australia.
Her appointment, and Dib’s departure, were announced in a short three-sentence statement from the NRL.
“Catherine Harris today replaces Ray Dib as Chair of the PNG Chiefs,” the NRL said.
“A leading Australian businesswoman for many decades, Ms Harris brings a wealth of corporate expertise and senior governance experience to the role. She has served as an inaugural board member of the PNG Chiefs since 2025 and was previously an Australian Rugby League Commissioner.
“Outgoing Chair Ray Dib will depart the board and we take the opportunity to thank Ray for his efforts in the establishment and early development of the PNG Chiefs.”
Australian Rugby League Commission chair Peter V'landys insists the NRL’s Papua New Guinea experiment is on track. Picture: Getty Images
Australian Rugby League Commission chair Peter V'landys insists the NRL’s Papua New Guinea experiment is on track. Picture: Getty Images
McPherson and Harris are now facing the task of getting the Chiefs up and running in time for their 2028 season launch.
One of their main missions will be to appoint an inaugural coach and have them in place for the club to begin signing players.
While they have to wait until November 1 to approach players off contract at the end of 2027, the Chiefs are able to now sign players who are in the final 12 months of their deals.
The Perth Bears, who will enter the competition in 2027, have done just that, signing Canterbury’s Luke Smith and North Queensland’s Emarly Bitungane. The pair signed one-year deals to play for the London Broncos this season before joining the Bears in November.
www.thenational.com.pg
www.nationaltribune.com.au
