PNG Chiefs investing in local talent

The PNG Chiefs are proud to support the ongoing professional development of its people, with a focus on creating pathways for Papua New Guineans to become world-class professionals across all areas of the club.

As part of its commitment to long-term sustainability for Papua New Guinea, local staff will travel to the United States for professional development in the coming weeks – gaining valuable exposure to systems, structures and skills which can be brought back and applied to the club ahead of its entry into the NRL in 2028 – as part of the US Government’s International Visit Leadership Program (IVLP) Sports Management and Youth Leadership.

Urith Toa, PNG Chiefs Community Officer, has been selected as a participant for the 2026 program. Through the IVLP platform and related US Government-supported sports leadership opportunities, Pacific sports leaders can access leadership development, mentorship, cultural exchange, and professional networks focused on sport, education, youth development, and community impact. Developing local capacity is a key strategic priority for the PNG Chiefs. 

The club is committed to creating meaningful career pathways for Papua New Guineans and

ensuring local talent has the opportunity to grow alongside the organization at an elite level as it prepares for its inaugural NRL season in 2028.

Importantly, the Chiefs are committed to supporting the growth and development of women across the organization, creating opportunities for female staff to build careers across football operations, commercial, communications, community, and leadership.

The US professional development opportunity is the first of several initiatives planned by the PNG Chiefs, with further opportunities expected to be developed across commercial and other areas of the organization as the club continues to grow.

For the PNG Chiefs, this opportunity aligns with a broader endeavor to develop, enhance local technical capacity, build coaching knowledge, support player development pathways, and explore how the sport can be introduced into school curricula and community programs.

The program also offers an important platform to explore best practices in youth athletics, including health and safety management, drug-free leadership, athlete protection, injury prevention, and inclusive participation models that place women and young people at the centre of sport development.

“This is about much more than one professional development opportunity – it is about building the long-term capability of our organization, and this will help us open more doors for people across Papua New Guinea,” said PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson.

“We want Papua New Guineans to be at the heart of the PNG Chiefs well into the future, and this focus helps us develop an important legacy and a sustainable future for both the club and sport across the Pacific region.”

PNG Chiefs Community Officer Urith Toa said: “This program is an opportunity to build strong connections with US sports leaders and bring back practical ideas that can strengthen our schools, communities, and athlete development pathways as we look ahead to 2028.”