Wayne Bennett has emerged as a possible replacement for Mal Meninga as Papua New Guinea coach at the 2017 World Cup in a move that would be bittersweet for the Kumuls after accusations Australia had poached their mentor without consultation.

Despite being contracted to coach the Kumuls until after the World Cup in Australia, New Zealand and PNG, Meninga last week announced his resignation from the Queensland job to take charge of the Kangaroos on a three year deal worth $300,000 per season.

The announcement sparked frustration in PNG, where it was rumoured that Meninga was being paid up to $500,000 as Test coach and performance director - although it has also been reported that he was owed money.

PNGRL chief executive Bob Cutmore said his organisation had not been not officially advised that Meninga was stepping down from the job until last Sunday.