Papua New Guinea’s NRL expansion team is in the spotlight following revelations that the man who was at the forefront of the sucessful bid has stood down from the board after a corruption scandal which has placed the Australian Government’s $600m investment under further scrutiny.
Wapu Sonk, a PNG businessman who was the chair of the NRL team’s bid, has stepped aside as one of the seven directors after the Sydney Morning Herald revealed he was being accused of suspect dealings.
His company, Kumul Petroleum Holdings has been dealing with a Chinese government-controlled entity over the upgrade of a PNG port, and there are accusations that he has funneled lucrative contracts to an Australian company that Sonk also owns.
PNG Prime Minister James Marape said the allegations were serious and cannot be ignored.
“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,” he told the SMH.
“This reflects PNG’s commitment to the highest standards of integrity, probity, and public trust.”
ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys told NewsCorp that Sonk) was a nominee of the PNG government.
“We did background checks. You also have to understand that these things are alleged and he is entitled to due process and natural justice,” he said.
“The allegations haven’t been tested in court but they (PNG government) have done the right thing while these claims hang above him.
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
“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.”
The PNG team is due to enter the NRL in 2028 but there are questions over whether the team will be ready by then due to the massive infrastructure upgrades needed in Port Moresby, including a proposed village where players, officials and their families will be able to live in a security compound.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has committed $600m as part of a funding package to help the PNG team get off the ground under the proviso that the team becomes self-sufficient by 2035.
