V'landys says any revenue earned by new Chiefs to be tax free

Peter V'landys has revealed a major recruitment edge for Papua New Guinea Chiefs, with the incoming expansion side set to benefit from a financial structure that could significantly boost player earnings.

The Chiefs, who will enter the NRL in 2028, will be able to offer tax-free salaries- and, according to Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys, that advantage extends beyond base contracts into commercial arrangements.

“Any revenue they earn in PNG is tax-free,” V’landys told the SMH.

“It’s like you’re doing a tax return in PNG, it’s all tax-free.

“Playing in PNG will set them up for life. We used to have the Brisbane Broncos as a one-city team. This is a one-country team, where people are fanatical about rugby league.

“Can you imagine 10 million people following one team? It’s a monopoly because it’s the only sport that’s played there.

“People don’t realise how big PNG is going to be.”

While its no scoop that players salaries would not be taxed, V'landys highlighted that third-party deals - often a key component of elite player earnings - are also expected to sit outside both taxation and salary cap restrictions, creating a powerful incentive for marquee talent to consider the franchise.

“There’s still a lot of haters knocking PNG, but they have no vision,” V’landys continued.

The opportunity is already evident through players with PNG links, including Justin Olam, who reportedly earned substantial income through sponsorship arrangements during his career, with deals involving brands such as Samsung and the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority.

Player manager David Rawlings said the commercial environment in PNG is underpinned by strong local engagement with the game.

“There’s a definite opportunity there because of the public interest in rugby league and the corporate support there,” Rawlings also told the SMH.

“In particular, there would be lots of local businesses that would like to have some affiliation with the players. Everything in PNG is about having access to rugby league players.”