Papua New Guinea CEO Andrew Hill Joins Panthers Group Before NRL Launch

Papua New Guinea’s hopes for a successful entry into the National Rugby League (NRL) have faced a setback with the departure of chief executive Andrew Hill. Hill has been appointed as the new chief executive of the Panthers Group, taking over from the retiring Brian Fletcher. His departure comes just ahead of Papua New Guinea’s planned entry into the NRL in 2028.

Hill’s exit is significant as he was instrumental in leading the bid for Papua New Guinea’s inclusion in the NRL. His experience in rugby league administration, particularly as the former chief executive of the Canterbury Bulldogs, was seen as a vital asset for the new franchise. The club is already facing challenges ahead of its entry into the league, and Hill’s departure raises questions about its future direction.

The announcement of Hill’s new role came on Wednesday, where it was noted that his responsibilities at the Panthers Group will primarily involve overseeing the suite of leagues clubs, with minimal interaction with the NRL operations. Hill will report directly to the board, alongside Matt Cameron, the NRL chief executive of the Panthers.

This leadership change follows the resignation of Wapu Sonk, chair of the Papua New Guinea bid, who stepped down from the board last month amidst allegations of corruption. Although James Marape, the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, stated that Sonk’s resignation should not imply guilt, the timing of these departures is unfortunate for the franchise.

The new PNG franchise still has much to accomplish before its inaugural season. Key decisions, such as the team’s name, coaching staff, and player roster, remain pending. In June, Ray Dib was appointed as the club’s chair, and Marcus Bai joined the seven-person board. The franchise is expected to enter the player market in November 2024 and is offering tax incentives to attract players.

In contrast, the NRL’s other new franchise, Perth, has already made strides in its preparations. On the same day as Hill’s announcement, Perth appointed David Sharpe, the former head of Sport Integrity Australia, as its new general manager of football. The Perth team has also secured Mal Meninga as its head coach, positioning itself advantageously ahead of its entry a year before Papua New Guinea.

In a statement following his appointment, Hill expressed enthusiasm about joining the Panthers Group. “This is a role that allows me to align my skills and experience with one of the most successful and respected organisations in Australian sport,” Hill stated. He highlighted the Panthers’ outstanding reputation not only within rugby league but also across its various clubs and facilities, indicating his excitement for leading the organisation into a new chapter.

As Papua New Guinea navigates this transitional period, the focus will be on solidifying its leadership and establishing a competitive presence within the NRL landscape. The coming months will be crucial as the franchise prepares to build its team and infrastructure in the lead-up to its debut.