Team: Basilisk Marlins
Unit Base: HMPNGS Basilisk Naval Base, Port Moresby
IN THIS special coverage of the 2026 PNGDF Commander’s Cup, InsidePNG speaks to Basilisk Marlins’ Team Manager for an insight into the camping, training and focus of the Team.
The Marlins are a strong unit and have demonstrated their dominance by winning a back to back series of the Commander´s Cup. The first team to do so after the 1RPIR Diggers who also dominated the tournament in 2001 and 2003.
In this Q and A session, we find out more about how the Marlins selected the Unit Name and just how prepared the Marlins are to strike again.
Q: Tell us about yourself and the role you play as Team Manager for the Basilisk Marlins.
A: My name is Lieutenant (Navy) Bryan Pohai, I am from Manus. I work at the HMPNGS Basilisk Naval Base. We are a Maritime Unit of PNGDF based out of Port Moresby. My role is the Operations Manager and I was chosen to be the Team Manager for Basilisk Marlins Rugby Team for the Commander´s Cup for 2026.
Q: How many officials help you manage the Team?
A: There are four of us. There is an assistant Team Manager, the Coach, a Medical Officer and myself. We serve as the Management Team. I manage the administration and training schedules and coordination for my team. I ensure that there are no hiccups during training. The bigger part of the role includes sourcing sponsorship proposals. Our aim is to get proper and quality jerseys, training shirts and supplies for the players.
Q: What is the difference between the Basilisk Naval Base and the Lombrum Naval Base in Manus?
A: The Lombrum Naval Base in Manus also known as HMPNGS Tarangau is the home of the Patrol Boats. For Basilisk, it is the Home of the Landing Craft. A Landing Craft is slow and very heavy. When a landing craft hits a wave, it makes a hard hit. Our Unit is an operation unit that supports the Lombrum Naval Base. We focus more on administration; training and we do most of the ceremonial duties here in Port Moresby on behalf of our sister unit because they are further away from Port Moresby. For example if there is a Commander’s parade in Port Moresby, Lombrum cannot attend because they are in Manus. So we step in and represent both units in the Maritime Element.
Q: Tell us about how the Unit got the name Marlins?
A: Yes, Marlins is the name of the Unit. Our unit operates in the maritime environment, that is out at sea. We have decided that instead of using a name that is related to the navy, we shifted to the maritime element, the sea. So, we thought of Marlin, the fish. Marlin is a prized fish for the fisherman. It is fast, powerful and one of the fish that is difficult to catch. We would like to symbolize our team as the Marlins, difficult to catch, powerful and resilient
Q: Marlins sure lived up to being powerful by winning the 2019 and the 2017 Commander’s Cup. Tell us about that experience
A: Yes, winning the Commander’s Cup back to back is something memorable for the Unit and we treasure those moments. It is definitely something that we build on. The current team in camp reflects on the foundations that we have set in 2017 and 2019. We were runners up in 2023 and we are hopeful and determined. We want to get that Cup back.
Q: Where were you when the Marlins won the 2017 and 2019 Commander´s Cup Challenge?
A: For 2017, I was away. For 2019 when the grand final was played, I was on duty on board the ship as the Executive Officer on HMPNGS Lakekamu. I missed out on watching the game because I was on duty. But we were all just being alerted via WhatsApp messages of the scores. Once they sent the final score I left the ship and we all came down to the gate and we all cheered and welcomed the team back into base. I wished I was there to watch them play but duty calls so we were kept informed by those at the field.
Q: In 2023, what place did the Marlins finish on?
A: We were the runners up. Just a few points behind from the winners and that is why our boys are determined. In Tok Pisin, they say “Bai miplea kisim kam bek long solwara”
Q: When InsidePNG spoke with Igam Crocs who are the defending Champions, we were told they are looking forward to playing against the Basilisk Marlins. Does Marlins also want to challenge the Defending Champion?
A: Yes, we are looking forward to face the 1134 Igam Crocs again in this tournament . This time the boys are saying in Tok Pisin “ Em bai Man Game” back In Lae, it was their turf so we just went with the crowds and they won. Now the games are hosted on a neutral ground so we will have to put up our best efforts for the 1134 Crocs.
Q: How is training going so far for the Marlins?
A: We are preparing to meet the demand of the Commander’s Cup for 2026. We know it will be hard on us because we are one of the top performing teams and we are training very hard for that. So far, so good. Our training started as early as June, so the boys have been in training for at least three months now. Training has been tough and boys are under strict schedules for the week. During the weekend, the players take rests. But as the dates get closer, the boys will be doing light training and several runs on the weekends at the Bava Park. The fitness level is rising, we are starting to align the systems and structure in the game plan and it is slowly taking sharp.
Q: What is the best part of the Commander´s Cup?
A: The unique thing about the Commander´s Cup brings everyone together. Both soldiers and officers from other units. It binds us together in this tournament and it builds friendships. The two words were Friendships and Esprit De Crops through rugby.
Q: Is there a funny moment where your team experienced in the previous Commander´s Cup that you would like to share?
A: In the previous Competition, I served as Ships’ Captain so I was at sea most of the time. But the best funny moments would be to watch the boys do the ice baths because their eye balls sort of pop out. Every time I see them doing the ice baths, I am standing there watching them shiver.
Q: What is your message to the other nine units taking part?
A: To all the teams participating, we just want you all to know that the Basilisk Marlins are ready. We are ready, we are going to carry the honour and name of the navy into the Commander´s Cup again. We will be there, our message is that we want to play a fair and good game. All the best to all the participating units and May the Best Team Win. Go the Marlins!
