Architect of PNG's successful NRL bid steps down amid corruption allegations

• Wapu Sonk stands down from rugby league franchise at James Marape's request

• Australia and PNG signed $600m deal for expansion team in in December 2024

A key architect in the bid for Papua New Guinea's NRL team has stepped down from the new franchise's board in the wake of a media report detailing corruption concerns unrelated to the team.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported on Friday of an alleged request from state-owned Kumul Petroleum to a Chinese firm it had given work, asking it to use a particular company as part of the arrangement.