Overview

• Andrew Hill was confirmed as Panthers Group chief executive, replacing the retiring Brian Fletcher, in a role with limited involvement in Penrith’s NRL operations.
• His exit leaves Papua New Guinea’s expansion project without a chief executive during preparations for a planned 2028 debut.
• The club has not announced a team name and still needs to appoint a coach, roster and key football staff, with recruitment permitted from next November.
• Governance questions persist after chair Wapu Sonk stood down following corruption allegations, with the prime minister stressing that this does not imply guilt.
• By comparison, the Perth Bears have secured Mal Meninga as inaugural coach and appointed David Sharpe as general manager of football ahead of their 2027 entry.