CEO of NRL’s Papua New Guinea team Andrew Hill quits to take on role as new Penrith Panthers boss
The man who led Papua New Guinea's successful NRL bid has abandoned the expansion team just months after securing their spot in the competition.
Andrew Hill has quit Papua New Guinea’s rugby league team in a major blow to the NRL expansion franchise.
Hill will take on the role as group CEO of the Penrith Panthers, replacing outgoing boss Brian Fletcher.
The move means Hill will oversee Penrith’s rugby league and licenced clubs, with Matt Cameron remaining as boss of the Panthers’ high-flying football program.
Hill — who was previously the boss at the Canterbury Bulldogs — has overseen PNG’s rise into the NRL competition. He led the successful bid campaign and was expected to have an important role ahead of the team’s inaugural season in 2028.
The Panthers confirmed Hill’s appointment on Wednesday afternoon.
“Andrew is an outstanding leader who brings extensive experience from both the sporting and corporate sectors,” Panthers Group Chairman Peter Graham said.
“The Panthers Group is in an exciting period of growth, and Andrew’s appointment ensures we are well-positioned to deliver long-term success for our members and the wider community.”
Hill is due to begin his new role in early November.
“This is a role that allows me to align my skills and experience with one of the most successful and respected organisations in Australian sport,” Hill said.
“Panthers Group has an incredible reputation, not just in rugby league but across its clubs and facilities, and I’m excited by the opportunity to lead the organisation into its next chapter.”
Last month, PNG’s expansion franchise suffered a setback when one of their directors was asked to stand down amid corruption allegations.
Wapu Sonk, the boss of PNG’s national oil company, was a crucial member of the country’s NRL bid team and one of the PNG government’s nominees to be on the club’s inaugural board.
The PNG franchise will now need to hire a new chief executive before making the crucial appointment of an inaugural coach, and then filling a roster for the 2028 NRL season.
The NRL’s other expansion side, the Perth Bears, are due to join the competition in 2027.
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They have appointed former Anthony De Ceglie, the former director of news and current affairs at Seven West Media, as their CEO, and rugby league Immortal Mal Meninga as their coach.
The Bears can begin signing players from November 1 when the NRL’s free agency window opens.
More to come
Originally published as CEO of NRL’s Papua New Guinea team Andrew Hill quits to take on role as new Penrith Panthers boss
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