Architect of PNG’s successful NRL bid steps down amid corruption allegations
Businessman Wapu Sonk stands down from new rugby league franchise board at prime minister James Marape’s request
A key architect in the bid for Papua New Guinea’s NRL team has stepped down from the new franchise’s board in the wake of a media report detailing corruption concerns unrelated to the team.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported on Friday of an alleged request from state-owned Kumul Petroleum to a Chinese firm it had given work, asking it to use a particular company as part of the arrangement.
The company is owned by Wapu Sonk, the longtime managing director of Kumul Petroleum.
Sonk was chair of the bid for a PNG team, which was granted a place in the NRL in December. The businessman was named on the new franchise’s inaugural board last month.
The PNG prime minister, James Marape, issued a statement on Friday describing the allegations as “serious”, and confirming Sonk has stepped down from the board.
“These allegations relate to business dealings during his tenure at Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited and while these matters are unrelated to the NRL bid, they raise concerns that cannot be ignored,” Marape said.
“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.”
The PNG team is due to join the competition in 2028, and players and staff will enjoy tax breaks to make a move to PNG more attractive.
The bid was funded by a $600m, 10-year pledge from the Albanese government to develop rugby league in PNG and the Pacific amid escalating geopolitical competition. But the initiative has drawn concern for the size of the promise and how the money will be spent.
Marape said he wanted to move forward “with purpose and unity”, and show PNG “is ready to deliver a world-class NRL team, built on trust, transparency, and national pride”.
The deal includes a provision allowing the Australian government to withdraw the funding at any time.
A spokesperson for the minister for pacific island affairs, Pat Conroy, said the Australian government has “zero tolerance for corruption”.
“That’s why we welcome Prime Minister Marape’s statement,” they said. “We also welcome the PM’s reiteration of PNG’s commitment to a ‘world-class NRL team built on trust, transparency and national pride’.”
Marape described integrity of the new franchise as “paramount” and that “this moment demands clarity, accountability, and the upholding of public confidence”.
However, he said Sonk stepping down was “not a presumption of guilt” and he “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,” Marape said.
Sonk has been approached for comment.
The prime minister sought to reassure the people of PNG, the Australian government and the Australian Rugby League Commission that the PNG government “is committed to full transparency and cooperation with any relevant investigations”.
“The integrity of this national franchise is paramount,” he said. “We will not allow it to be undermined by external controversy.”