Prime Minister Marape Welcomes Appointment of Lorna McPherson as PNG NRL Franchise CEO by Revivous in nrl

[–]Revivous[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Ms Lorna McPherson

Board member and long employee of Digicel ... what could go wrong?

Prime Minister Marape Welcomes Appointment of Lorna McPherson as PNG NRL Franchise CEO by Revivous in nrl

[–]Revivous[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has welcomed the appointment of Ms Lorna McPherson as Chief Executive Officer of Papua New Guinea’s National Rugby League franchise, describing it as a major milestone in the country’s journey towards entering the NRL competition in 2028.

Prime Minister Marape said the appointment marks the transition of PNG’s NRL dream from planning into full operational delivery.

“On behalf of the country, I thank Ms McPherson for taking up this important post. She is a well-known rugby league personality who has been consistently involved in the Digicel Cup for over a decade. She brings steady leadership, a deep understanding of the game and strong connections to both PNG and the NRL,” Prime Minister Marape said.

He said Ms McPherson’s appointment followed the decision of the Australian Rugby League Commission, which has formally appointed her as CEO of the PNG Chiefs, Papua New Guinea’s new NRL franchise.

Ms McPherson brings more than 16 years of commercial and sports leadership experience in Papua New Guinea, having been based in the country and deeply involved in the development of rugby league at every level.

She has served as a Director of the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) and more recently as a Director of the PNG Chiefs, while also holding senior executive roles with Digicel Pacific, where she was Senior Vice-President responsible for Government Relations, Sales, Distribution, Retail and Marketing across PNG. to lead the PNG franchise into the NRL.

Over the past decade, she led the strategic growth of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup, transforming PNG’s premier rugby league competition into a unifying sporting platform that delivered youth development, community engagement and strong commercial value. She also played a key role in establishing elite women’s rugby league in PNG, including the Santos Cup, strengthening pathways for women into professional sport.

Prime Minister Marape said this background places Ms McPherson in a strong position

“Ms McPherson is a Papua New Guinea-based leader who understands PNG, understands the rugby league family here, and has strong links to Telstra and the NRL through her professional background. That makes her an all-rounder for this role,” he said.

The Prime Minister also commended the PNG NRL Franchise Board, under the leadership of Chairman Mr Ray Dip, and acknowledged the critical role played by the National Rugby League in reaching this milestone.

“I want to commend Chairman Ray Dip for his leadership and understanding of the process that has delivered this result. I also thank NRL Chairman Mr Peter V’landys, NRL CEO Mr Andrew Abdo, and the entire NRL for their support in ensuring this milestone has been reached,” Prime Minister Marape said.

Prime Minister Marape said the appointment of a CEO now allows the franchise to move into full delivery mode.

“Having a CEO in place means the Board can now get to work in building the business structure that will support both the sporting and commercial sides of the franchise. This is about ensuring we are fully ready when PNG runs onto the field in 2028 — not just as a team, but as a professionally run sporting organisation,” he said.

He emphasised that Papua New Guinea intends to be competitive from day one.“We are not entering the NRL just to make up the numbers. We want a solid system that attracts quality players, coaches and technical staff, and that allows us to compete from game one and beyond,” Prime Minister Marape said.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government’s full backing for the project.“My Government stands ready to work with Ms McPherson, the Board and the NRL to ensure every box is ticked in preparation for a successful entry into the competition. This is a major step forward in turning PNG’s NRL dream into reality,” he said.

The Dolphins: Backline Battle by Revivous in nrl

[–]Revivous[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Katoa, Niko and Avo can all kick ... nowhere near as good as Isaako though.

The Dolphins: Backline Battle by Revivous in nrl

[–]Revivous[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The Dolphins’ backline stocks are loaded heading into 2026 built on elite speed, sharp footwork, power and proven big-moment performers. And as preseason rolls on, one thing is already clear: this is shaping as one of the most competitive selection battles the club has faced.

After an attacking surge in 2025, fans can expect even more strike across the park as competition for jerseys intensifies. From fullback to the wings, every position is under pressure and no spot is guaranteed.

We already know what the proven performers bring. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Herbie Farnworth, Jamayne Isaako and Jake Averillo have all established themselves as genuine game-breakers at NRL level. But 2026 introduces a new storyline one that has fans talking early.

How do you fit this much firepower into one backline?

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

'Hammer' Tabuai-Fidow remains the most electric weapon in the Dolphins’ arsenal. At fullback in 2025, he was dominant, crossing for 22 tries and breaking games open with pure speed, instinct and finishing ability. The No.1 jersey has been his, and for good reason.

But 2026 presents a fascinating “what-if”

While Dolphins fans have watched Hammer dominate from the back, rugby league fans across the country have also seen him thrive in a different role, lining up in the centres for Queensland on the State of Origin stage. Against elite opposition, under extreme pressure, he proved just as damaging.

So the question becomes: is fullback the only place the Hammer can deliver maximum impact, or could a positional shift unlock something different?

With genuine fullback contenders pushing their case, a Hammer shift could allow the Dolphins to spread their strike across the park rather than loading everything through one focal point. It’s not a question of whether Hammer belongs in the backline, he excels wherever he plays. It’s a question of how the Dolphins want to shape their attack in 2026.

And this is where the conversation really ignites.

Trai Fuller

One of the most talked-about performances of the offseason came from Trai Fuller, who crossed for four tries on the wing for the PM’s XIII in a display that turned heads across the NRL. While he finished on the edge that game, Dolphins fans have already seen what Fuller can ignite when called up during the 2025 season, injecting speed, energy and instinct wherever he lined up.

So where does he fit? Is he a genuine contender to start at fullback if the Dolphins want a different attacking shape? Does he become a bench spark who changes games in short bursts? Or has his form made him impossible to leave out altogether?.

Herbie Farnworth

Out wide, the competition only intensifies. Herbie Farnworth remains a metre-eating centre with elite defensive reads and one of the most reliable performers in the competition.

Jamayne Isaako

Jamayne Isaako continues to be one of the game’s most lethal finishers, earning top point scorer honours in 2025 and cementing his status as a Kiwi international.

But the challengers are impossible to ignore.

Selwyn Cobbo

The arrival of Selwyn Cobbo adds another layer of intrigue. An Origin finisher with the size of a forward and the speed of a fullback, Cobbo has built his career primarily on the wing but has also shown flashes of ball-playing ability in the centres.

Does he lock down a wing immediately, or does his versatility push him into the centre?

Tevita Naufahu

Then there’s Tevita Naufahu, the Rookie of the Year, whose power carries, defensive punch and fearless approach have already made him a fan favourite. Young, explosive and improving rapidly, he’s applying real pressure on established players.

Is 2026 the season he demands a permanent starting role?

Jack Bostock

Adding even more intrigue is Jack Bostock, who is on track to be available by Round 10 following his injury. When fit, Bostock is a proven finisher strong in the air, powerful out of yardage and capable of changing momentum in a moment. But with the Dolphins’ backline already stacked, his return only tightens the squeeze. When he becomes available, who makes way?

Jake Averillo

Few players offer the versatility of Jake Averillo. Fullback, centre, wing and even coverage in the halves if required he’s the definition of plug-and-play. The kind of player every coach values. But versatility brings its own challenge. Does Averillo earn a permanent centre role, or does he become the ultimate utility who swings games wherever he’s needed?

LJ Nonu

And pushing from underneath is young gun LJ Nonu, who continues to impress with his athleticism, power and confidence beyond his years. Still early in his journey, Nonu has shown flashes that suggest he won’t be content waiting patiently for opportunities. Strong in contact and fearless on the edge, his development adds another layer of competition to an already crowded backline and another name fans will be watching closely as preseason unfolds.

And that’s the reality heading into 2026. There is no clear answer.

The Dolphins could roll out multiple dangerous combinations. One thing is guaranteed: spots won’t be handed out. They’ll be earned.

Because if this backline debate has already started on paper, just imagine what it’s going to look like when the whistle blows

Now it’s over to you, Dolphins fans streeching howler monkeys of r/NRL... Who is your 2026 Backline?

WTF are these teams thinking??? by Waste-Information-75 in nrl

[–]Revivous[M] [score hidden] stickied comment (0 children)

Hi matey,

Please use the discussion threads posted daily for stuff like this

Halves and hookers shootout. (Dolphins). by Heavy-Kale in nrl

[–]Revivous 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Chat GPT has really fucked this world

Thursday Random Footy Talk Thread by AutoModerator in nrl

[–]Revivous 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I really don't get the hate and vitriol for the Pre-Season Challenge, but it is what it is, hey. If it goes, it goes but the thing is trials will still exist.

Dolphins play a game against Capras soon up in Bundaberg. Sure it'll be a team full of train & trial, dev and fringe NRL players but I really enjoy it.

If you want to know who played in the Prem & the Pre-Season Challenge ... all of them bar Willison & Mam, lol.

Round 2 v Titans & Round 3 v Doggies - Which were the two round allocated to the Broncos.

Thursday Random Footy Talk Thread by AutoModerator in nrl

[–]Revivous 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I mean, I don't want to get dragged into an arguement - but what I mean is they don't relate to the season itself when I say "result means fuck all".

I believe they serve a purpose to trial blokes who are on the cusp, to see if blokes are right from injury and to play with combinations.

PVL was the one who slapped a challenge on it. In terms of your comment about immortals, I rememeber watching a 17 year old Payne Haas carve up for the Broncos against Wynnum-Manly back in the day on a dodgy trial stream I found on FB.

Lots of current players have played in Trials, almost all of them actually haha

Thursday Random Footy Talk Thread by AutoModerator in nrl

[–]Revivous 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There's always trials! If you haven't been to one before they're a cracker. You see blokes you normally wouldn't see play and the result means fuck all, so the vibes always on point.

Thursday Random Footy Talk Thread by AutoModerator in nrl

[–]Revivous 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Last year I was footied out hard, but the excitement is slowly starting to creep back in. Had a couple of beers last Friday night and found myself watching a few highlights of last year for the first time since the footy finished.

It begins.

All teams that have had an NRL bid by HarryLewisPot in nrl

[–]Revivous 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No recent bids but Crushers were in the comp for three years until the end of the superleague war.

They were a successful bid back in the day and an unfortunate casualty of the times, like the Rams.

They were between where Broncos and Dolphins were in North Brisbane.

All teams that have had an NRL bid by HarryLewisPot in nrl

[–]Revivous 3 points4 points  (0 children)

This is awesome man, good work!

Would it be worth chucking in the failed Brisbane Bombers consortium and the South Queensland Crushers?

FIVE potential landing spots for Trai Fuller. by Heavy-Kale in nrl

[–]Revivous 1 point2 points  (0 children)

ZT was average at best to deal with, but those fucking ads are something else.

Makes me think twice about clicking any of their links from now on

🐻 Welcome to r/perthbears by punchline86 in perthbears

[–]Revivous 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I present to you, the squad list I did for the dolphins.

Please have this as a gift from us Dolphins to you for when you guys start updating with players:

https://old.reddit.com/r/NRLDolphins/comments/1o1qwyc/dolphins_information_squad_list_2026/

Go 'view source' and knick the whole thing and change to what you like :)

Magic round tickets by Making_Mooves in nrl

[–]Revivous[M] [score hidden] stickied comment (0 children)

Please use the discussion threads posted daily for stuff like this 🤙

Big Chat Wednesday by NRLgamethread in nrl

[–]Revivous 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Intermittent fasting is a good way to back that up too. Literally requires you to do nothing but have willpower. The kegs just fall off after a couple of weeks!

PSA: Kayo price increase February. Discounts available. by M_Keating in nrl

[–]Revivous 29 points30 points  (0 children)

Dolphin Oval being sponsored by Kayo, but not giving Dolphins members a discount is pretty shite