The PNG Chiefs are strengthening their foundation for the 2028 National Rugby League (NRL) debut by investing in local talent through a prestigious professional development initiative.

Urith Toa, the club’s Community Officer, has been selected as a participant in the U.S. Government’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), focusing on Sports Management and Youth Leadership.

During the trip to the United States, Toa will engage with American sports leaders to gain insights into best practices in youth athletics and safety, including athlete protection, injury prevention, and drug-free leadership.

The program also focuses on inclusive development by examining models that center women and young people in sport, as well as organizational strategies for integrating sport into school curricula and community programs.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PNG Chiefs Lorna McPherson emphasized that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to build long-term organizational capability.

“This is about much more than one professional development opportunity – it is about building the long-term capability of our organization. We want Papua New Guineans to be at the heart of the PNG Chiefs well into the future,” McPherson stated.

The club has outlined several key priorities to support this vision. These include local capacity building, which aims to create meaningful career pathways for Papua New Guineans across all departments, from football operations to commercial and communications roles.

Additionally, the Chiefs are committed to women’s empowerment by actively supporting female staff to build careers in leadership and operational positions.

The organization also plans to leverage the knowledge gained from this program to enhance player development pathways and expand the reach of sport within schools and local communities.

Urith Toa noted that the program offers a unique platform to forge connections with U.S. sports leaders and bring back practical strategies to strengthen the club’s infrastructure before its historic entry into the NRL in 2028.

This marks the first of several planned initiatives aimed at developing technical capacity and ensuring the sustainable growth of rugby league in Papua New Guinea.