PNG

Wapu Sonk was a driving force in delivering an NRL team to Papua New Guinea.

Pacific diplomacy

‘Forged’ and ‘fake’: PNG sport, business supremo hits out at corruption concerns

The man who led the bid that secured millions from the Australian government to support a new rugby league team has threatened legal action over a controversial letter.

7 days ago
Chris Barrett and Nick McKenzie

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PNG businessman Wapu Sonk stood down from the country’s NRL franchise on Friday.

Updated
Pacific diplomacy

PNG leader demands quick action on corruption concerns linked to Australia

Wapu Sonk has stood down from the PNG NRL team board, but there is scrutiny on the country’s national oil company, which has ties with an Australian energy giant.

July 21, 2025
Chris Barrett, Nick McKenzie and Simon Johanson

Wapu Sonk, who led Papua New Guinea’s campaign for a new NRL team.

Updated
Pacific diplomacy

PNG NRL director stands down over corruption concerns

Wapu Sonk, who led the Pacific nation’s bid to join the Australian competition in 2028, has stepped aside amid questions about whether he sought to benefit personally from his power as chief of PNG’s national oil company.

July 18, 2025
Chris Barrett, Nick McKenzie and Matthew Knott

PNG businessman Wapu Sonk, who led the Pacific Island nation’s bid to join the National Rugby League.

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Investigations

Man who won $600m from Albanese government for PNG rugby league embroiled in corruption scandal

The Australian government’s support was supposed to head off Chinese influence, but the suspect deal would have invited just that.

July 18, 2025
Nick McKenzie and Chris Barrett

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will be at the rugby union Test between Australia in Fiji in Newcastle on Sunday.

Pacific diplomacy

‘Nail in the coffin’: Pacific rugby leaders raise alarm about NRL’s PNG deal

Officials in the region are concerned about the Albanese government’s bankrolling of rugby league and are proposing a greater share in funding for their national game.