Andrew Hill, key to PNG's NRL bid, leaves to lead Penrith Panthers amid project leadership shakeups.

Andrew Hill, the CEO who helped secure Papua New Guinea's bid to join the National Rugby League (NRL) as its 19th team in 2028, is leaving to head the Penrith Panthers Group. Hill's departure follows the resignation of the bid's chair, Wapu Sonk, amid corruption allegations. The PNG NRL project now must find a coach, assemble a roster, and hire key staff before starting player signings in the next 14 months.