ARLC chairman Peter V’landys on corruption allegations against member of PNG rugby league bid director

ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys has eased concerns over the future of the fledgling Papua New Guinea expansion franchise after one of their directors was asked to stand down amid corruption allegations.

Peter V'landys, along with PNG Prime Minister James Marape (left), says PNG's NRL bid is not under threat.

ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys has eased concerns over the future of the fledgling Papua New Guinea expansion franchise after one of their directors was asked to stand down amid corruption allegations.

Wapu Sonk, the boss of PNG’s national oil company, was a crucial member of the country’s NRL bid team and one of the PNG government’s nominees to be on the club’s inaugural board.

However, his place now appears in jeopardy after Prime Minister James Marape asked him to stand down after Nine newspapers raised concerns over his involvement in deals involving a Chinese government firm.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with Marape last year. Picture: DAVID GRAY / AFP

PM Marape confirmed he had asked Wonk to stand down while he was given the opportunity to clear his name. V’landys backed the decision and insisted the shock developments were no threat to the PNG franchise, which is due to enter the premiership in 2028.

V’landys also reiterated that all federal government money – the Albanese government pledged $600 million to the region as part of the PNG bid – would be strictly audited and funnel through the NRL.

“He (Sonk) was a nominee of the PNG government,” V’landys said.

“We did background checks. You also have to understand that these things are alleged and he is entitled to due process and natural justice.

“The allegations haven’t been tested in court but they (PNG government) have done the right thing while these claims hang above him.

“He himself decided to stand down. We’re OK with that. The money that comes in will come through us. We’re going to only give money out that has been audited.”

PNG NRL bid chairman Wapu Sonk (L), Marape and PNG RL chairman Andrew Hill.

As part of the Australian government’s pledge to support the bid, the game’s existing clubs will also receive a slice of the pie. Earlier this year they received their first instalment – a $1.75 million payment each which came out of the PNG team’s licensing fee.

The reminder of the $600 million will be devoted to backing the team and supporting rugby league in the region. Crucially, the agreement between the Australian government, PNG government and NRL contains a China clause which makes it clear that the agreement can be scuppered if PNG agrees to a security deal with the Chinese government.

“Our dealings have been with the PNG Prime Minister and (Australian minister for defence) Pat Conroy,” V’landys said.

“The Prime Minister was always great to deal with. He has handled this with the same competence that he has handled everything else.

“They have moved very quickly, which we appreciate. We have the greatest regard for the Prime Minister Marape. He is a man of integrity.”

A PNG team is due to enter the premiership in 2028. Picture: NRL Photos

Prime Minister Marape confirmed he had asked Sonk to stand down while the allegations were tested

“I have spoken to Mr Sonk and, while he is currently overseas, I have requested that he step down from his role as a director on the PNG NRL franchise board effective immediately. He has agreed to do so,” Marape told Nine newspapers.

“This reflects PNG’s commitment to the highest standards of integrity, probity, and public trust This is not a presumption of guilt. Mr Sonk is entitled to due process and the opportunity to clear his name.

“Stepping down allows him the space to do so without casting a shadow over the franchise process or compromising the confidence of our partners.”

A spokeswoman for Conroy on Friday said the move was in the best interest of the NRL’s PNG expansion movement.

“The Australian Government has zero tolerance for corruption,” the spokeswoman said.

“We welcome Prime Minister Marape’s statement.

“We also welcome the PM’s reiteration of PNG’s commitment to a ‘world-class NRL team built on trust, transparency and national pride’.”

Originally published as ARLC chairman Peter V’landys on corruption allegations against member of PNG rugby league bid director