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Inaugural PNG Chiefs chair Ray Dib reveals he was forced out of role
An uneasy relationship with NRL powerbrokers ended Ray Dib’s seven-month tenure as PNG Chiefs chair after he was called into a meeting with Peter V’landys and Andrew Abdo.
Adam Mobbs
2 min read
January 23, 2026 - 2:00PM
News Sport Network
Ray Dib has revealed he was forced out of his role as inaugural chair of the NRL’s 19th expansion side, the PNG Chiefs.
Dib, the long-time rugby league administrator, released a statement on Friday, saying he wanted to stay in the position and oversee the Chiefs’ preparation for their debut season in 2028.
Instead, the NRL announced on Wednesday that
Catherine Harris would replace Dib as chair, after only seven months in the role.
Dib has not taken phone calls since his dismissal, but issued a statement on Friday with his own headline, titled in capital letters “I DID NOT WALK AWAY”.
Ray Dib head shot x
In it, Dib did not mention names, but it is understood he had an uneasy relationship with NRL powerbrokers due to his blunt and forthright approach.
This masthead can reveal he was called into a meeting with ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys and NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo on Monday and told his services were no longer required.
“I am disappointed I was unable to complete my tenure with the PNG Chiefs, as I had always intended to see our journey through,” Dib said.
“I did not resign, because I believe in PNG and its people.
“I am committed to governance, process and transparency as foundational pillars for any successful organisation.
“I sincerely appreciate the support from Prime Minister James Marape, the Australian DFAT team, the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby, especially HC Ewen McDonald, the PNG community, and the business sector.
Dib was told his services were no longer required in a meeting with Andrew Abdo and Peter V’landys. Picture: Getty Images
“My gratitude also goes to the PNG Chiefs Board members who supported me, the PNGRFL, the NRL staff and to 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.”
Dib’s departure comes just a week after Lorna McPherson was promoted from the board to CEO. She replaced Andrew Hill, who had overseen PNG’s successful NRL bid but has since left to replace Penrith’s Brian Fletcher as Panthers group CEO.
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.
Dib will be replaced by Catherine Harris, former deputy chancellor of UNSW and founder of Harris Farm Markets. Picture: Supplied
Despite Dib’s sudden departure, ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys said the NRL’s PNG venture was on track and would remain so with Harris, a former ARL Commissioner who is chair of the successful Harris Farm Markets business across Australia.
“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.”
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