PNG could dominate NRL like Penrith Panthers, says V’landys

Australian Rugby League Commission [ARLC] chairman Peter V’landys believes Papua New Guinea’s incoming NRL franchise has the potential to mirror the dominance of the Penrith Panthers, starting from their expected debut in 2028.

Speaking during his visit to Port Moresby this week, V’landys praised the rise of rugby league talent in PNG, citing the Junior Kumul’s historic 22-all draw with the Australian Schoolboys in 2024 as a major sign of things to come.

“And last year, who could forget the marvelous PNG school boys' side who drew with Australia,” V’landys said.

“From my perspective, the Australian school boys' side has always been mighty and has always brought the elite players.

“Most of the first-grade players in the NRL system came through the schoolboy system. And for the Papua New Guinea team to draw with them is an extraordinary event. If that’s an example of the future, Papua New Guinea will dominate.

He added that the concern was not whether PNG would be competitive, but rather how soon they might become a powerhouse.

“We’re worried about them dominating because they could be, as Minister [Pat] Conroy said, they could be the next Penrith easily.”

V’landys was in the country to witness the official announcement of the PNG NRL Team board, which will be chaired by former Canterbury Bulldogs chief executive officer Ray Dib. The board has been tasked with preparing PNG’s entry into the competition as the 19th franchise.

With the Perth Bears confirmed as the 18th team, PNG is positioning itself for a strong entrance both on and off the field.

According to V’landys, the franchise is expected to lure top-tier NRL talents with an attractive tax-exempt package, aimed at building a competitive roster from day one.

“We’re very confident we’re going to attract some marquee players," he said.

"Having the tax exemption is very important because that will motivate those players to bring their families over to Papua New Guinea to play.

“We want to get some of the best players because I’ve assured the Prime Minister that they will be in the top eight in the very first year."