PNG CHIEF’S CARRY NATIONAL SYMBOL, NATIONAL IDENTITY; McPHEARSON
PICTURE CAPTION: Ms Lorna McPhearson, newly appointed PNG Chiefs’ CEO. Picture Supplied:
PNG Chiefs’ newly appointed Chief Executive Officer Lorna McPhearson said, PNG Chiefs are more than a sporting organisation, they carry the national symbol, representing the nation’s identity.
McPhearson says the club will stand on the values that define PNG: resilience, humility, courage, and deep cultural connection and with determination she says, the team can achieve if they lead with the national identity.
Lorna’s appointment will now allow the PNG Chiefs to bring together a club that the people of PNG will be proud of.
She says, stepping into the role of CEO of the PNG Chiefs is one of the greatest achievements in her career, reflecting over 16 years, Rugby League has been her teacher and bridge into the heart of PNG.
Lorna will commence the role in February 2026 and will be supported by a strong board featuring NRL great Marcus Bai, as well as seasoned business executives in Stan Joyce, Ian Tarutia, Richard Pegum, Catherine, Harris and chairman Ray Dib.
The newly appointed PNG Chiefs’ CEO highlights that in the first half of 2026, construction will commence on the team’s Centre of Excellence, with the players’ village location also to be finalised during this period.
PNG Chiefs will be working closely with the Australian Rugby League Commission to finalise the official club logo, which will draw inspiration from the rich heritage and tradition in PNG.
“Lorna has an outstanding track record of success in business and importantly has been entrenched in PNG
and directly involved with Rugby League for over 16 years.
“Securing a leader with a reputation for driving significant commercial growth across business and the elite
local Rugby League competitions, along with established connections in PNG is an important step in
building a strong administration for the Chiefs.” says Peter V’landys AM.
A foundational figure in PNG Rugby League, Lorna played a key part in establishing the nation’s premier
domestic competition, the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup, and now serves as a Director of the PNG Rugby Football
League.
Lorna also holds several board seats, which are with the Digicel Foundation, the Port Moresby
Nature Park, the European Business council of PNG and she has a strong focus on community
development, governance, and nation-building.
Her appointment will now allow the PNG Chiefs to bring together a club that the people of PNG will be
proud of.
“Stepping into the role of CEO of the PNG Chiefs is one of the greatest achievements of my career. Over the
past 16 years, Rugby League has been my teacher and my bridge into the heart of PNG.
I have learned from our people — in villages, communities, and stadiums — that culture is our strength, pride is our fuel, and unity is our competitive advantage.
I think it is very clear, the PNG Chiefs are more than a sporting organisation. They’re a national symbol of who we are and what we can achieve when we lead with our identity.
This club will stand on the values that define PNG: resilience, humility, courage, and deep cultural connection,” says McPherson.
In the first half of 2026, construction will commence on the team’s Centre of Excellence, with the players’
village location also to be finalised during this period. The PNG Chiefs will be working closely with
the Australian Rugby League Commission to finalise the official club logo, which will draw inspiration from
the rich heritage and tradition in PNG.
In addition, the franchise will look to work with potential sponsors as well as introducing an official membership package.
