Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League

10/06/2026

🚨MEDIA RELEASE🚨

NATIONAL WOMEN’S COMPETITION SET FOR THIRD SEASON

Port Moresby, June 10, 2026: The Papua New Guinea Rugby National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) is proud to officially announce the draw for the 2026 Santos Cup, the nation’s premier women’s rugby league competition. This season marks a significant milestone in the growth of the women's game, featuring an expanded schedule and matches to be played across multiple provinces including Port Moresby, Lae, Rabaul, Goroka and Minj.

The 2026 season will officially kick off on July 11 and 12, following the mid-year representative window. The competition comprises six elite teams competing over eight rounds of regular-season action, followed by a high-stakes two weeks of finals series.

Round 1 will see a Grand Final rematch between the reigning champions, the Gas Resources Central Dabaris, and their rivals from the past two seasons, the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis. Participating teams in this year's competition are the Lae Snax Tigers, Wamp Nga Mt. Hagen Eagles, Bintangor Goroka Lahanis, ENB Agmark Gurias, Moni Plus NCDC Pom Vipers and reigning premiers, Gas Resources Central Dabaris.

The 2026 draw is headlined by several marquee events designed to celebrate the role of women in the sport. Round 5, scheduled for August 8 and 9, is designated as the "Women in League Round." Additionally, the competition continues its integration with the wider rugby league ecosystem, with several rounds slated to be co-hosted alongside the SP PNG Hunters and the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup.

Following the conclusion of the regular season, the top four teams will advance to the Semi-Finals on September 6, 2026, to be held in Port Moresby. The season will culminate in the Grand Final on September 13, 2026, at the National Football Stadium, where the two best teams in the country will battle for the prestigious Santos Cup.

PNGNRLC Women's Rugby League Manager, Urith Toa said, "This year's mark’s the third year of the competition and reflects the continued growth of the women's game, with matches being taken to more communities across the country. We have only been able to do see the progress, because of the steadfast support of Santos, PacificAus Sports and KMHL. We are excited to provide greater opportunities for our female athletes while allowing fans to witness the skill, passion and commitment that exists throughout women's rugby league in Papua New Guinea."

APPROVED FOR RELEASE

10/06/2026

Congratulations to Junior Kumul representative Ellyjah Birve, who has earned selection in the 2026 Queensland Maroons U19 squad to face the NSW Blues U19 on Thursday, 18 June, at North Sydney Oval! 🔥🏉

This is a great reward for Ellyjah, who has featured for the Penrith Panthers SG Ball side after making the move from the Sunshine Coast.

Go well, Ellyjah. The country is behind you! 🇵🇬

08/06/2026

Following successful discussions with the Bomana Primary School Principal, our Girls in League Manager, Della Audama, recently conducted a field assessment at the school, providing the opportunity to introduce Mini Mod and Girls in League - League Tag competitions. 🏉🌸

Working in partnership with NCD Sports Facilities Officer James Fova, the assessment identified key areas of support and development required to ensure the safe and effective delivery of these programs, while also exploring opportunities to increase student participation and engagement. 🤝🏫

This partnership will continue with similar assessments planned for other schools across NCD as part of ongoing efforts to grow the game at the grassroots level. 🌱🏉

💜🌸

03/06/2026

Our Participation Division, through Community Rugby League, today distributed club kits to three (3) Port Moresby Rugby League affiliate clubs at Santos National Football Stadium. 🏉

The presentation was led by Lead Participation Officer (Southern Confederate), Karo Kauna Junior, who handed over the club kits to representatives from each club in attendance. 🤝

The recipient clubs were Paga Panthers Rugby League Club, represented by Mr. Richard Wagambie; Hohola Flies Rugby League Club, represented by Mr. Roland Andare; and Waliya Rugby League Club, represented by President Mr. Sosola Gaegae. 📸

Each club received a set of training and match-day equipment, including 12 water bottles, six agility poles, two kit bags, 50 cones, 20 rugby league balls, five hit pads, one kicking tee, and one water barrel. 🎒🏈

03/06/2026

🚨MEDIA RELEASE 🚨

SANTOS CUP EMPOWERS WOMEN’S RUGBY LEAGUE WITH “BETTER BUILDING BLOCKS” FOR 2026 SEASON

PORT MORESBY, 29th May 2026: The PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) has successfully concluded the 2026 Santos Cup Football Conference, centred on the theme “EMPOWER: Better Building Blocks.” The conference, held from May 19th to 21st, brought together team managers and performance staff to align on a revitalized strategy for the upcoming women’s national competition.

Reflecting on feedback from the 2025 season, the 2026 season introduces critical structural improvements aimed at enhancing player welfare and professional standards. Key upgrades include extending the competition to a 10-week format (8 weeks of regular season and 2 weeks of finals) and increasing the preseason duration to 6 weeks to ensure optimal match fitness and preparation.

The conference facilitated intensive sessions focused on elevating the professional
environment for female athletes, with major outcomes centered around enhanced medical and safety standards, as well as greater structural professionalism through a refined player tiering and points system to ensure transparency in contracts and payments. Staff roles have also been professionalized, with mandatory accreditation requirements for coaches and medical personnel.

This also places emphasis on female education and accreditation pathways for game day officials and medical personnel to ensure female athletes receive NRL-level medical treatment and welfare support during competition. The initiative is designed to empower women and those involved in the Santos Cup by strengthening skill sets, enhancing professional development opportunities, and building the capacity of officials to better deliver and support the game at all levels of rugby league.

PNGRFL Women’s Rugby League Manager, Urith Toa, said the conference also featured training for Team Managers on MySideline system, Hudl, and an AFS Sports Medical Trainer Course for performance staff made up of Sports Medical Trainers, Physiotherapists and Strength & Conditioning Coach.

"The conference allowed dialogue with our Santos Cup team managers but most importantly aligned them with PNGRFL standards by focusing on these 'Better Building Blocks'. This is more than a competition; we are building a sustainable pathway for women in rugby league," said Ms Toa during the conference opening.

PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hondina said the conference outcomes reflect the organisation’s commitment to creating stronger foundations for women’s rugby league in Papua New Guinea.

"The Santos Cup continues to grow as a premier pathway for female athletes in Papua New Guinea. Through initiatives like this conference, we are strengthening the systems, standards and support structures around our players and staff to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of women’s rugby league," said Mr Hondina.

The 2026 Santos Cup is scheduled to kick off on July 11-12, 2026, following the
commencement of the paid preseason on June 1st.

APPROVED FOR RELEASE

03/06/2026

🚨 Media Release 🚨

The future of Papua New Guinea rugby league will take centre stage at Santos National Football Stadium when the National Youth Competition Grand Final features as part of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Amazing Round weekend.

The spotlight will also shine on the next generation of stars when Central Dabari's Under-19 Male and Port Moresby Vipers Under-19 Male battle for National Youth Competition honours on Sunday morning.

The Grand Final serves as a key feature of the expanded Amazing Round campaign, providing young athletes with the opportunity to perform on one of the country's biggest rugby league stages while showcasing the strength of the PNGRFL development pathway. The match forms part of a weekend that will also feature all six Digicel ExxonMobil Cup fixtures, placing the spotlight firmly on both the current and future stars of the game.

Featuring in this weekend’s grand final for the Port Moresby Vipers, will be fullback, David Sevara who has been a lethal attacking threat in the competition, currently leading all scorers with 5 tries in 5 games.

Whilst in the Dabaris colours, young Winger/Centre/Edge, David Taraka has been known to be a momentum-shifter. Coming off a dominant hat-trick of tries in the preliminary finals this past weekend, his physicality on both sides of the ball was the primary catalyst for the Dabaris’ Grand Final berth.
PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Hondina, said the inclusion of the National Youth Competition Grand Final during Amazing Round highlights the importance of the youth development pathway.

"Many of these players have come through the PNGRFL Academy and National Youth Competition pathway, where they have been exposed to a structured development program designed to help them grow as athletes and individuals. The Grand Final is an opportunity for them to demonstrate the skills, discipline and commitment they have developed throughout that process."
"The National Youth Competition plays a critical role in developing the next generation of rugby league players. By staging the Grand Final during the Amazing Round, we are giving these young athletes the opportunity to experience a premier rugby league event and showcase their talent in front of a national audience."
"The pathway from junior rugby league through to the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup and beyond is an important part of our game. Events like this demonstrate the opportunities available to young players who are committed to developing their skills and pursuing their rugby league aspirations."

The National Youth Competition has continued to strengthen its role within the PNGRFL development pathway, providing young players from across the country with opportunities to compete at an elite level while preparing them for future representative and club opportunities.
Further information regarding the National Youth Competition Grand Final, participating teams and event activities will be communicated throughout the week via the official PNG National Youth Competition social media platforms.

21/05/2026