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PNGRFL Name Merit Squad for Orchid’s Preparations

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Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League has named the merit squad for the Women’s Division following the recent inaugural Telikom National Nines Championship in Port Moresby.

The squad of 19 players will head into a monitoring program that will include an extended squad of 25 players from each Confederate that participated in the 9’s tourney.

“The women’s game is a strong and emerging game globally and such we are adamant that due consideration and support needs to be provided,” said PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Hondina.

PNGRFL CEO, Stanley Hondina

The PNGRFL CEO says the country does not have a semi-professional competition for women and this model of training and monitoring fills this gap.

Hondina said potential players who missed out playing in the Confederate Cup will be part of the extended regional squad.

He added that PNGRFL believes PNG Orchids Coach, Ben Jeffries has the knowledge of where women’s league is in the country and has the passion to put together a strong team to represent Papua New Guinea.

Coach Jeffries expressed his appreciation of the commitment and passion displayed over the 2-day Confederate Cup challenge. He said the extended squad will endure plenty education going forward not only to assist in this year’s World Cup players but for future groups post tournament so PNG Orchids become a recognized force within International Rugby League.

The PNG Orchids are currently ranked fourth in the world, and with a World Cup looming in 5 months’ time, it is PNGRFL’s interest to prepare women for the international event.

CEO Hondina said PNGRFL will support the monitoring program and assist the players for the RLWC at the end of the year.

The monitoring program will span over 3 months facilitated by qualified trainers from Digicel Cup Franchises and NRL in PNG who have assisted since 2019.

The program is scheduled to begin with testing and collection of players’ data on the 7th of May while sessions will be held at the Santos National Football Stadium in the lead up to July.

The merit squad includes Joanne Lagona (Southern), Lisa-Marie Alu (Highlands), Belinda Gwasamun (Highlands), Martha Molowia (Southern), Lyiannah Allen(Highlands),Lila Malabag(Southern),Delilah Ahose (Highlands),Regila Wilfred(Highlands),Rosewita Kapo(Southern), Gloria Kaupa(Highlands), Bethshiba Aloi (Southern), Leilah Kerowa(Southern),SusanYol(Southern),Veronica Waula (Southern), Michelle John(Northern),Tere Kiniwi(Southern), Freda Waula(Southern), Lorraine Taraho(NGI) and Doreen William.

According to PNGRFL the extended squad for each Confederate will be announced later this month.

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Vipers edge out Gurias in 9-8 thriller at NFS

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Moni Plus Port Moresby Vipers have recorded their second home game win with a nail biting victory over Agmark Rabaul Gurias in the 2022 Digicel Cup Round Two match at the National Football Stadium yesterday.

The Vipers opened the score board with a penalty goal by Yunny Patrick 28minutes into the game. Visitors Agmark Rabaul Gurias did not back down putting on their wall of defense has the home team threw the ball around with several attempts to cross over the try line.

The Gurias made big yards into the Vipers territory with super ball work with Sipa Peter scoring in the 33rd minute to take the lead into half time 4-2.

The second half was tense has both sides made grounds through the center of the field but fail to score with handling errors. A penalty opportunity gave Vipers to level up 4 minutes into the second half.

It was not long when the Gurias threw the ball around gaining yards into the Vipers territory. With a number of set recounts, a penalty by the home team gave the visitors the chance to level up the score with a penalty goal conversion.

Vipers centre Willie Tirang cross over the line in the 52nd minute giving the lead to Vipers 8 while Gurias 6. Gurias level the scores again in the 65th minute with another successful penalty conversion leaving the score 8 all.

Former Hunters stars Gary Lo and Ase Boas rallied the Gurias side setting half field brakes and however failed to put points. The Game went down to the wire with both teams tightening their defense and created attempts to break the score line.

With Vipers dominating the last 10 minutes of the game with good ball possession, but with 3 minutes left Vipers star Karis Peter slotted a field goal in the 77th minute to seal the victory for the home team ending the game with a 9 – 8 victory by the Port Moresby Vipers.

The other two games at the National Football Stadium saw EPG Enga Mioks beating Kroton Hela Wigmen 20 points to 14 despite a second half comeback by the Wigmen. Gulf Isou also recorded their second win beating the Central Dabaris 22 – 8.

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POMRFL to commence 73rd Season

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73 years of uninterrupted rugby league is a proud statement, Port Moresby Rugby Football league (POMRFL) established in 1949 as Papuan Rugby League (PRL) is gearing up for this years 73rd season, dispite setbacks by COVID-19 in the past two years, the league has been able to run competitions and hold grand finals in each of its three divisions, despite having two clubs the Brothers and Souths serving a 5 year ban over breach of competition guidelines in 2021, only 12 clubs to remain, the leagues administration says no new clubs are expected to join the competition in 2022.

“That is an obvious question by POMRFL followers, but at this stage No! we are running with 12 clubs, one of the reasons is because the 2 clubs are not banned for life.

“They were banned for five years, they can always comeback and reclaim thier place in the competition”. This was cleard by Meke Maino the POMRFL Administrator.

Teams are definitely preparing for the start of the season, with the annual preseason nines ending tommorrow on Sunday with a total budget of K20,000 allocated for the preseason, the money is a remainder from the 2021 sponsorship deal with SP Brewery, the brewery has maintained uninterrupted sponsorship for the past 68 years since 1953, the 6th of May is slated for the start of this years POMRFL proper season.

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PNGRFL Penalizes Lahanis Player & Officials

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A Goroka Lahanis player has been banned from playing in PNGRFL sanctioned matches for the next 10 years while two media officials are barred from entering PNGRLC and PNGRFL matches for the next 5 years.

This follows an incident on Sunday 24th April in the Round 1 match between Bintangor Goroka Lahanis and Kroton Hela Wigmen at Sir Danny Leahy Oval in Goroka.

The decision was deliberated by the Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition Match Review Committee following a complaint.

In statement Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition Manager, Ora Gairo said upon receiving match report by officials, it was conclusive that Goroka Lahanis back rower, Ake Palus punched match referee, Max Topani right after fulltime.

The report also stated that Media officials for Lahanis Yomba Photography and Post Courier’s stringer, David Boli assaulted the referee after fulltime.

The Match Review Committee has deemed these actions as serious in nature and in violation to the NRLC Participation Agreement Section 6 (e) on compliance with rules.

The Match Review Committee therefore with the powers bestowed upon them under the PNGNRLC Administration and Regulations has resolved to apply penalties on the Goroka Lahanis team and officials.

PNGNRLC has also suspended home games in Goroka for an indefinite period. According to Mr Gairo the Match Review Committee hopes that such incidents do not arise in the future.

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PNGRFL: “International Footy returns after 2-year absence”

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The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) is thankful for the return of international rugby league matches after a two-year absence.

PNGRFL Board Chairman, Sandis Tsaka

In a statement PNGRFL Board Chairman, Sandis Tsaka acknowledge the support of the National Rugby League (NRL) and the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) for supporting the mid-year international matches for the Pacific nations this year.

Tsaka said with the 2021 Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) scheduled later this year, the PNG LNG Kumuls are looking forward to the mid-year test as an opportunity to build the national team.

“The PNG LNG Kumuls and the Fiji Batis have had a great Melanesian rivalry over the last few years and this year’s international meet will be another exciting chapter,” said Chairman Tsaka.

 He also stated that the resignation of PNG LNG Kumuls Coach, Michael Marum as well as some key players will provide opportunities for new players to continue to build on the great success that the national men’s rugby league team has had over the last eight years. 

 Chairman Tsaka said PNGRFL is completing the process for the appointment of the new Kumuls’ Head Coach with the announcement to be made next week.

“The extended PNG LNG Kumuls’ squad for the mid-year test will be finalized by the new Head Coach and the PNG national selectors,” said Tsaka.

 PNGRFL is optimistic the wide pool of talented PNG players playing in the NRL, the Queensland Rugby League (QRL) and the New South Wales Rugby League Competition (NSWRLC), will see selectors assemble a strong team for the mid-year Kumuls test and also preparations towards the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England.

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Taking the Game Higher: 2022 Digicel Cup Season

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The 2022 Digicel Cup Rugby League Season was launched today at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

The announcement was done by PNGNRL Competition Manager Ora Gairo alongside Digicel PNG representative Ronan Wilcox, PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hondina, Lae Snax Tigers skipper Roy Kela and other stakeholders.

12 Teams will play footy with the top 6 to enter finals football in the first week of September. Gairo said the theme for the 2022 Season is ‘Taking the Game Higher’. The PNGNRLC Manager also presented the certificate of approval from the PNG Sport Federation Pandemic Management Committee.

“We have 50% approval at this stage mandated by the Controller and that has been granted”, said Gairo. He added that stakeholders will work together to ensure all compliance required by the Pandemic Committee is adhered to at all times.

Gairo said this year’s (2022) season will be full on. “We had a shorter season last year with 15 rounds due to Covid and its measures”. However, this year’s will be longer with 17 rounds starting this Sunday at different venues,” said Gairo.

It’s a critical year for League with managing the season around covid, and the national general elections. Gairo said a two weeks’ break will be given for players and officials to cast their votes in their respective electorates.

The PNGNRLC Manager said the season will not be possible without the huge support from major sponsors like Digicel, SP Brewery, Oil Search Kumul Petroleum Holdings among others. “We would like to see more support from the corporate sector to push the game forward,” said Gairo.

Digicel PNG representative Ronan Wilcox said the telecommunication company is delighted to continue its support for another great season of rugby league. “On behalf of Digicel PNG and its management we would like to wish the 12 franchise clubs all the best for this season,” said Wilcox.

PNGRFL CEO Stanley Hondina said the competition is an avenue to bridge amateur football to professional league pathways. Hondina said Digicel Cup provides that opportunity for players in the code. “We are looking forward for good start of the season. We optimistic to get one or two players at the back at end of the season into the PNG Hunters team,”, said Hondina.

The 2022 Season launch concluded with Snax Tigers Skipper Roy Kela handing over the Digicel Cup trophy to major sponsor Digicel PNG representative Ronan Wilcox.

Round 1 will begin this Sunday with games in Lae, Wabag, Goroka and Port Moresby.

Teams include defending champions Lae Snax Tigers, PRK Mendi Muruks, WNBPG Kimbe Cutters, Central Dabaris, Enga Mioks, Agmark Rabaul Gurias, Bintagor Goroka Lahanis, Kroton Hela Wigmen, Moni Plus Port Moresby Vipers, Mt Hagen Eagles, PRK Gulf Isou and JPG Waghi Tumbe.

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Sunday Special for Easter Anglers

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by Stephen Dawanincura

After a full week of challenging game fishing action, the 45th National Game Fishing Titles drew to a close on Sunday with the traditional Billfish Shoot Out, the blue ribbon of the event – the day dedicated to capturing the heaviest ‘billy’.

The Skel Rice Billfish Shoot Out, sponsored by Goodman Fielder International, attracted 11-boats and fifty anglers who assembled off Kalibobo Point for the shot gun start and boat sprint.

On Saturday evening, the day prior to the event a calcutta was held to bid on boats and their anglers, drawing a huge incentive with ‘the winner takes all: purse closing out at K85, 000 when Lae Auctioneer, Michael Bierne dropped the hammer for the last time.

As the Blue-Ribbon event of all national titles, the pressure and excitement was on early, with team contending whether to hunt regular hotspots or to venture out into unexplored territory to land the biggest marlin or sailfish with a minimum weight of 100kg.

‘Cabolero’ with international Skipper, Damien Collette onboard kept true to form with his experience, and was among the first three teams to announce hook ups to the monitoring radio room under the control of Louise Franklin of Lae in the morning session.

The FleeTravker system installed by Lindsay Swanson of Global Technologies, ensured that all boats and teams were well monitored for the duration of the titles for safety reasons, while out at sea.

As reports flooded in ‘Manu Tai’ of Kimbe also threw their hat in to the ring with a solid capture, running wide off Bagabag Island.

Adriano Cragnolini’s Lucky Luciano and Marlen Brunskill aboard ‘Rage On were also hooking into the blue marlin as well.

By early afternoon, Collete and crew were homeward bound with three captured Marlin; confident, ready to weigh and stamp their claim to the prize purse.

Then at around 4.00pm, Luis Gomes, representing the New Britain Game Fishing Association landed a serious contender, a billfish of 108kg on 24kg line.

At 6.00pm, with no further threat, Portuguese born Gomes was unofficially declared the 2022 champion of the Billfish Shoot Out among all participating boats.

Later on, Weigh Master, Milen Stiliyenov confirmed the blue marlin at 108.80kg, handing the bragging right for this prestigious title to Luis Gomes and his team aboard Manu Tai.

Cabolero humbly accepted 2nd place just a solitary kilo behind the winner.

So the adrenaline rush and excitement of the 45th National Game Fishing Titles in Madang going right down to the wire on the final day of the event.

Here’s a full rundown of the top finishers in the heavy, medium, light, and ultra-light line classes (see attachment).

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Hela Wigmen Announce Team for 2022 Season

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The Kroton Hela Wigmen Rugby League Club has announced a 34 men team for its 2022 season.

In a statement released today, Club Chairman, Andy Hetra said the team was selected from trial matches and training over the past few months. Hetra said the club has retained more than half the club’s current key players with most players originating from Hela.

The 34-men comprise of 2019, 2020 and 2021 squad members while the rest of the stock were selected from the Ipatas Hela Leg tournament, SHP 9’s Port Moresby Rugby League and other off-season competitions.

The Wigmen Chairman said the Club is a promoter of inclusivity an accepts players from all over PNG, irrespective of their origin.

“We are a club that encourages inclusiveness and promotes raw talents to reach their full potential”, said Hetra.

He said Hela Wigmen is a diverse club and recruits players and coaching staff from all regions in Papua New Guinea.

“We look for players who are serious in excelling their rugby careers and we want to harness that with the system we have”, said Hetra.

The Club Chairman said the team is also proud to announce two of its consistent and loyal players who have played leadership roles in the likes of Valentine Culligan and Solomon Pokare who have the support of both old and new players.

The Wigmen lineup include Sylvester Bulu, Norman Brown, Junior Igila, Valentine Wamdi, Anderson Benford, Tony Wemin, Solomon Poakre(Co-Captain), Valentine Culligan (C), Patrick Morea, Jeffrey Robert, Atua Nogoya, Missach Welen, Kopu Piju, Manu Kame, Jorden Steven, Peter Homoko, Tapia Solu, Allen Simbiri, Igiboi Lawrence, Siki Konden, Sylder Bulu, Gordon Isaac, Iso Kita, Lape Peape, Stanford Pandine, Ronny Nakira, Justin Meketa, Gori Akuni, Bernad Lai, Rodwell John, Pembo Pokeya, Steven Pat, Junior Mel and Nanduka Rame.

A total of 10 rookies are featured in the Wigmen team for the 2022 Digicel Cup Competition.

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Southern Region Select 9s’ Team for National Titles

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After three days of rugby league action at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby last week, selectors have named Teams for the coming Telikom National 9’s Championship this weekend.

Three divisions have been named by the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League selectors. These include Under 20’s, Senior Women and Men’s for the Southern Region side.

The Senior Men’s team includes:

1. Siune Tine (PRL)

2. Thomas Kaikai (Central)

3. Gairo Voro (POM South 1)

4. Junior Hoki (POM South 1)

5. Benny Yol (POM South 1)

6. Michael Yanis (POM South 1)

7. Andy Tand (POM South 1)

8. Yomo Yokofa (Central)

9. Alwyn Kevaru (Central)

10. Johnson Peter (PRL)

11. Ken Lele (POM South 1)

12. Wabi Sanny (POM South 2)

13. Sebastine Gaudi (Motu Koitabu)

14. Augustine Benson (UPNG)

15. Felix Dickson (Western)

16. Yeki Yoko (UPNG)

17. Mawe John (PRL)

18. Larry Saia (POM South 1).

The Southern Team Head Coach is Bagelo Solien, Team Manager Brian Voele and Trainer Norris Selu.

According to PNGRFL sources, squad training has commenced in preparation for the National Championships come 9th and 10th of April at the National Football Stadium.

The senior men’s selection follows the trial games played among eight (8) teams filled by affiliated PNGRFL teams based in Port Moresby with only one team from Western Province.

The senior men’s division went head-to-head in two pools with Central coming out winners beating POM South 1, 20 points to 10.

Teams that took part include POM South 1, POM South 2, UPNG, Central, Motu Koitabu, PRL, Western and Suburban.

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Pedal Power Reaches Maramuni

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Lae Pedal Power, a group of 12 young cyclists from Lae city, cycled from Wabag into Maramuni on the 57km unsealed road recently launched by Prime Minister James Marape.

The group travelled to Wabag from Lae with their bicycles on a PMV and then cycled to Maramuni last Friday.

They received a standing ovation from the people of Maramuni for their courage and determination as they pedaled in, waving the flags of Papua New Guinea and Morobe.

Lae Pedal Power is a motley crew of young men from all over Lae city who advocate for peace and unity by cycling around the country.

Pedal Power President, Gabe Bago, from Morobe Patrol Post in the Huon Gulf district, said the cycling group was formed to turn young people away from a life of crime.

“It took us the whole day for the 12 of us Lae boys to cycle from Wabag to Maramuni,” Bago said.

“It was really great to stop at villages along the way to Maramuni and talk with the people, Gabe said.

He added, “We are here to test the new road and promote the message of unity, ‘Wan Kantri’.”

They had intended to travel all the way to East Sepik on the new Enga-Sepik highway but because the road ends at Maramuni, the group will stay on and decide on what to do next.

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