Wapu Sonk has resigned from his position as the chairman of Papua New Guinea’s National Rugby League (NRL) team. He resigned under the cloud of very public and very serious allegations of massive, corrupt business dealings. These gaming allegations involve a Chinese state-run company. They have armed PNG lawmakers with even tougher concerns about Sonk’s continued tenure as the managing director of Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL), Papua New Guinea’s state-owned oil company.
PNG Prime Minister James Marape welcomed Sonk’s decision to step aside given the corruption allegations hanging over him. These claims are not even directly related to the NRL franchise that was awarded to him. They present a significant risk to the organization’s progress as it prepares to join the rugby league’s expansionist competition in 2028.
Allegations and Response
His own allegations involve his business dealings as the head of the Japan Oil Development Corporation with the China Petroleum and Pipeline Engineering Corporation. After initially winning a $750,000 contract to rehabilitate the City’s underground fuel storage facilities. These specialized facilities are situated at the main wharf in Port Moresby, the capital of PNG. However, these dealings have cast suspicion on the transparency and ethical practices of KPHL, which is supposed to be led by Sonk.
As Prime Minister Marape said at the time, “we are living in a very unprecedented times”. He stated, “These allegations raise concerns that cannot be ignored.” Furthermore, he noted that stepping down allows Sonk “the space to do so without casting a shadow over the franchise process or compromising the confidence of our partners.”
Wapu Sonk has so far declined to comment publicly on the serious allegations leveled against him. Alarmingly, news accounts suggest that as of this writing he is no longer in Papua New Guinea. On every request for comment from him, his office has gone silent.
The Path Forward
Sonk has resigned at an inconvenient time for the newly formed PNG NRL franchise’s interim board. They’re managing more than $200 million in Australian and British colonial government funding to attract and establish the new team from Fairy Meadow.
Integrity and transparency
The board at all times should act with integrity and transparency. Ultimately their aim is to realize a breakthrough into the competitive rugby league scene building on a solid foundation.
Prime Minister Marape confirmed agreement, reiterating that Wapu Sonk has a right to due process and a chance to let him clear his name. He stated, “Mr. Sonk is entitled to due process and the opportunity to clear his name,” underscoring the importance of fairness even amidst allegations of misconduct.
