\n
<\/p>\n
The PNG Chiefs<\/a> have made a massive move in their transition into the NRL<\/a>, locking in a key part of their franchise on Wednesday.<\/p>\n The Australian Rugby League<\/a> Commission has confirmed the appointment of Lorna McPherson as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the PNG Chiefs<\/a>, a key step in the franchise’s build towards its NRL<\/a> debut.<\/p>\n McPherson brings more than 16 years of commercial and sports leadership experience in Papua New Guinea<\/a>, having played a central role in the growth of rugby league across the region.<\/p>\n She has previously served as Director of the PNG Rugby Football League and most recently as Director of the PNG Chiefs<\/a>, while also holding senior executive roles with Digicel PNG, where she oversaw government relations, sales, distribution, retail and marketing.<\/p>\n McPherson was instrumental in the expansion of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup into a nationally unified competition and played a key role in the establishment of elite women’s rugby league in PNG through the Santos Cup.<\/p>\n ARLC chairman Peter V’landys said McPherson’s appointment was crucial to laying the foundations for the new franchise.<\/p>\n “Lorna has an outstanding track record of success in business and has been deeply embedded in rugby league in PNG for over 16 years,” V’landys said.<\/p>\n “Securing a leader with a reputation for driving commercial growth and strong connections across PNG is an important step in building a strong administration for the Chiefs.”<\/p>\n