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last mo.

PNG NRL Franchise Director Wapu Sonk Steps Aside Over Corruption Allegations

Prime Minister James Marape called for a transparent inquiry after documents linked Sonk’s Kumul Petroleum role to a Chinese state-owned contractor.

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Overview

  • Wapu Sonk voluntarily stood down from the PNG NRL franchise board on July 18 while allegations of corrupt dealings from his time as managing director of Kumul Petroleum are examined.
  • An official Kumul Petroleum letter suggests Sonk’s Australian company was pushed to receive a subcontract from China Petroleum and Pipeline Engineering Corporation.
  • Sonk chaired PNG’s successful NRL bid in 2024 and joined the seven-member franchise board last month to oversee more than A$200 million in Australian funding.
  • Prime Minister Marape stressed that Sonk is entitled to due process and urged full transparency to protect public confidence in the project.
  • Australia has pledged A$600 million over ten years to back PNG’s entry into the NRL in 2028, making governance integrity a critical pillar of the expansion.