When going through the rolodex of rugby league's most influential figures, Wayne Bennett's name is always near the top.
The seven-time premiership coach is currently contracted to the Rabbitohs until the end of 2027, but according to News Corp, he is being courted for a pivotal role in the NRL's boldest expansion yet.
Papua New Guinea is set to join the competition in 2028, backed by a $600,000 investment and the full weight of the ARL commission.
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ARLC chairman Peter V'landys confirmed to the publication that Bennett is central to their plans in the Pacific.
"If Wayne is available, he will be the first bloke I call," V'landys said.
While a head coaching role is on the table, it's been reported that Bennett could also potentially be in line for a consultancy position with the club.
"You can ask Wayne if he wants to coach, but we will use Wayne in whatever capacity that would be suitable to him," V'landys added.
Bennett will be 78-years-old when PNG enters the league, but age doesn't seem to have diminished his market.
V'landys is adamant that Bennett's involvement would be a game-changer to how successfully the league can get the PNG franchise off the ground.
"Yes, we want Wayne Bennett involved," he said.
"In my view, PNG will be more successful."
Critics have questioned the viability of launching a team in a country with limited infrastructure.
However, V'landys has brushed off these concerns by pointing to the Dolphins' success as a precedent.
"The amount of attacks I got about the Dolphins being put in, most people would have said I don’t need this trouble and not gone ahead with it, but look how successful the Dolphins have been," he said.
"There are 18 million people there that are potential customers and potential players and the beauty of PNG is that it’s a one-nation sport."
With an entire country behind them and no rival codes, PNG offers rugby league a golden runway - and in the eyes of V'landys, Bennett would be the perfect pilot to guide the takeoff.