Penrith Panthers a ‘World-Class Example,’ Says PNG Prime Minister Marape
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape says the Penrith Panthers Rugby League Club represents a benchmark in professionalism and sustainable sports management, noting PNG stands to gain significantly from its example.
Marape toured the club’s high-performance precinct in Penrith on Monday evening, where he was received by Chairman Peter Graham, Group CEO Andrew Hill and CEO (Football) Mat Cameron. The visit comes as PNG continues preparations for the PNG Chiefs’ entry into the NRL competition in 2028.
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| Penrith Panthers a ‘World-Class Example,’ Says Prime Minister Marape [Photo by PM's Media] |
The Prime Minister was briefed on the systems behind the Panthers’ remarkable rise — from a once-struggling NSWRL entrant in 1967 to one of the most dominant outfits in modern rugby league. Penrith has captured four consecutive premierships from 2021 to 2024, adding to titles won in 1991 and 2003.
Marape said he was particularly impressed by the Panthers’ integrated business model, which links commercial operations, community facilities, hospitality venues and game-day activities into a steady revenue engine.
“We are not looking at them from a competition point of view, but as partners in development,” Mr Marape said. “Tonight, we saw a very efficient club — not only the run-on team but the entire clockwork of systems behind them.”
The PNG delegation also studied Penrith’s junior pathways, which are embedded directly in schools and grassroots leagues. Marape said these lessons were essential as PNG works to modernise its own development structures.
“Their junior programs connect straight into schools — that is something we must build strongly in Papua New Guinea,” he said. “The Panthers are one of the most successful clubs in the NRL, and they are opening their character and systems to us. That cooperation is invaluable.”
He thanked the Panthers’ leadership for their openness during the visit, adding, “This engagement helps us see how to grow ourselves — how to build clubs that support players from the grassroots to the elite level. We commend their willingness to work with PNG and look forward to deeper collaboration.”
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