PAPUA New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) Board and Management has congratulated Lorna McPherson on her appointment as the new Chief Executive Officer of PNG Chiefs.

McPherson sits on both the PNGRFL and PNG National Rugby League Competition board and has been instrumental in the country’s rugby development for the last 16 years.

PNGRFL Board Chairman Sandis Tsaka when congratulating McPherson acknowledged her dedication to PNG Rugby League growth both on the field and off the field.

“Lorna has had PNG Rugby League always at heart and her guidance on the PNGRFL Board has seen the growth of rugby league over the years.”

“Her appointment as PNG Chiefs CEO is commendable and we thank Australian Rugby League Commission for appointing a seasoned and experienced rugby league administrator from PNG and yes, she is from PNG.”

“PNGRFL and the Rugby League family welcome and endorse this appointment as positive step to strengthen partnership between the team and the game. It is also a vote of confidence in PNGRFL, the game and the work and integrity of the people and partners involved in the game in PNG.”

McPherson was appointed to the PNGNRLC Board in 2010 and onto the PNGRFL board in 2023.

Under PNGNRLC McPherson and the board focused on improving the standard of delivery of the National Men’s competition.

She was also influential in introducing the national women’s competition, Santos Cup, and the National Youth Competition in 2025.

“PNGRFL wishes McPherson all the very best in her new role and we look forward to seeing her bring the Chiefs to the NRL arena in 2028.”