The Papua New Guinea Chiefs are a step closer to entering the NRL after appointing their inaugural chief executive ahead of becoming the competition's 19th side.

Longtime locally-based sport figure Lorna McPherson has been appointed to the role, announced by the Australian Rugby League commission on Wednesday, two years out from the Chiefs' 2028 entry into the competition.

A current board member of the expansion club, McPherson is already credited with growing and advancing rugby league across Papua New Guinea — where she has been based for more than 16 years.

She has been key to the growth of the country's premier national men's competition — the PNGNRL Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup, and establishment of the Santos Cup national women's competition, which was launched in 2024.

"Lorna has an outstanding track record of success in business and importantly has been entrenched in PNG and directly involved with Rugby League for over 16 years," Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman, Peter V'landys, said.

"Securing a leader with a reputation for driving significant commercial growth across business and the elite local Rugby League competitions, along with established connections in PNG is an important step in building a strong administration for the Chiefs."

The official announcement of PNG's entry into the NRL came in December 2024, with Prime Minister James Marape announcing the team's name in October.

Ahead of their inaugural season the national football venue, Santos Stadium, will host four 2026 Rugby League World Cup matches.

The Perth Bears made their own expansion announcements this week, unveiling their logo just over 12 months out from running out for their first NRL games - a modified take on North Sydney's iconic logo of the 1990's.

The Bears have carried on with solidifying their inaugural playing squad, including the signing of Indigenous All Star and Dhraug forward Josh Curran on a three year deal.