PRIME Minister James Marape has defended his approach to promoting Papua New Guinea’s rugby league ambitions, saying his engagement with players is respectful, transparent and within proper processes.
“In promoting PNG whether in rugby league, foreign relations or business, I am PNG’s number one salesperson and promoter, so I have to respectfully do what’s good for my country,” Marape said.
Marape responded to Brisbane Broncos dummy-half Ben Hunt’s claims of aggressive recruitment tactics by the prime minister, describing the approach as “wheeling and dealing”.
Hunt told a Brisbane radio station that Marape attempted to “sweet-talk” players with offers of tax-free incentives and roles, also offering his club captain Adam Reynolds a coaching role with the PNG Chiefs.
However, Marape told The National that he spoke to players who came off contract and would consider joining the Chiefs setup, but stressed any discussions were subject to due process and overseen by team management.
“I talk to all players who I meet,” Marape said.
“If they come off contract and want to consider Chiefs, then this is what we offer, subject to the due processes which our team management have oversight on. I don’t overstep my country’s boundaries.”
Hunt made the comments on Wednesday after the PNG Chiefs announced Jarome Luai as player 001 as part of the expansion team’s recruitment drive.
Chiefs chief executive officer Lorna McPherson said Luai’s signing sent a strong message about the club’s ambition.
“Signing a player of Jarome’s experience and quality shows we are serious about building this club,” she said. PNG Chiefs general manager (football) Michael Chammas said the New South Wales State of Origin representative and Samoan international was “a world-class player and a proven winner”.
Marape said the Government’s tax-free incentive to NRL players and officials involved with the Chiefs, was consistent with existing tax exemptions offered to businesses keen on investing in PNG.
“This tax-free status is similar to incentives we give to pioneering or targeted segments of our businesses or communities and is not an NRL initiative, so commentaries must not blame NRL,” he said.
“The vision behind the team extends beyond rugby league, positioning it as a platform for national unity and stronger regional ties.”
Marape said he respected the club management’s role in engaging in contractual discussions with players and officials.
