PNG CEO leaves for Penrith before key appointments made
Scott Bailey |
Papua New Guinea’s new NRL franchise has taken another hit with CEO Andrew Hill leaving the club before a ball has even been kicked.
Hill was confirmed as the Panthers Group’s new CEO on Wednesday, replacing the retiring Brian Fletcher and taking over Penrith’s suite of leagues clubs.
The role will have minimal dealings with the four-time defending premier’s NRL operations, with Hill and Penrith’s NRL CEO Matt Cameron both reporting to the board.
But the former Canterbury chief executive’s exit will have a significant bearing on the Papua New Guinea franchise, ahead of their planned 2028 entry.
Hill headed up the bid for their inclusion into the NRL and brought a wealth of experience into that role.
His departure comes after the chair of the PNG bid, Wapu Sonk, stood down from the club’s board last month amid corruption allegations.
PNG’s Prime Minister James Marape said at the time Sonk’s exit was “not a presumption of guilt”, with the businessman also a managing director of Kumul Petroleum.
There is no suggestion Hill’s departure is in any way linked to Sonk’s, but it comes at a bad time for the NRL’s 19th franchise.
The PNG club is yet to announce a team name, while a coach, roster and team of key football staff must also be appointed.
Former Bulldogs chair Ray Dib was appointed as the club’s chair in June, while Marcus Bai was also named on a seven-person board.
The PNG side is able to hit the open market from next November, with tax breaks set to be on offer for players who sign with the side.
By comparison, the NRL’s other new franchise Perth appointed a new general manager of football on Wednesday in former Sport Integrity Australia boss David Sharpe.
The Bears will enter the NRL one year before Papua New Guinea and have Mal Meninga locked in as coach and several other staff already secured around him.
The PNG franchise now face a challenge to do likewise in the next 14 months before they begin signing players.
In a statement on Wednesday, Hill said he was looking forward to 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 said.
“Panthers Group has an incredible reputation, not just in rugby league but across its clubs and facilities, and I’m excited by the opportunity to lead the organisation into its next chapter.”
AAP
