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Fiji Bati Anticipating a Forwards Battle

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Fiji Bati

Fiji Boasts a star studded NRL backline and a forward pack that devastated the Cook Islands last week. The Batis blooded 9 players in the team against the Cooks and Coach Waisake Kativerata says they are not here to make the numbers but to score points.

Fiji Bati captain Tui Kamikamica says to win they need to put pressure on the PNG forwards and use offloads to create scoring opportunities.

Fiji’s backline of Maika Sivo, Mikaele Ravalawa, Sunia Turuva, Waqa Blake and Jahream Bula last week combined a total run meters of 869 meters amongst themselves and a total of 19 tackle breaks.

Considering the Cook Islanders were short of few players down with injury, the Fijians young forward pack managed to out muscle the Cooks up the middle.

In the end Fiji Bati were left with minor bruises while the Cooks were winded by the Fijians.

Fiji Bati were slow to gel as a team, with the coach attributing to the fact that the team was only in camp for a week. But the team did manage to pick up in the second half. It was 6-4 in favor of Cook Islands at half time, but it was Fiji who pulled together in the second half and with five minutes on the clock.

Panthers premiership winning winger Sunia Turuva scored the match winner to snatch the win 22-18.

Fiji Coach Waisake Kativerata said that it’s a privilege to make his coaching debut in PNG where the crowds are mad rugby league supporters. He praised the fans for knowing the players well and he added the support was immense for the Fiji players.

But he knows PNG has a strong support at home and they always lift the team to go above and beyond and that goes for the teams forward pack as well. Kativerata commended PNG for having depth up the middle.

“PNG has a good power play up the middle. If we can control the ruck properly it will be to our advantage. We have a lot of Fijian supporters in PNG. They know Sivo and the other NRL players.
“It’s a young team, and this game will help us a lot we are not here to make up the numbers we can score points to win,” Kativerata said.

It’s no secret that PNG have a strong defense and Captain Tui Kamikamica is no stranger to the Kumuls defense and knows the only way to win is to control the game at the rucks and up the middle.

“We just need to be physical in the ruck, we get a bit of momentum in the middle we can lead to offloads, it’s a learning curve. A lot of young guys playing in the team. We need to learn from our mistakes and to play with PNG we have to be physical,” Kamikamica said.

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Rugby League

Edwin Ipape: Every time I wear the Kumul Jersey I Do Not Take it for Granted

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Edwin Ipape

Edwin Ipape headlines a number of key changes to the Kumuls side that will take on Fiji Bati this weekend. Edwin was passionate during an interview and says he never takes the Kumuls jumper for granted.

“Every time I wear the Kumuls Jersey I do not take it for granted and I play to the best of my ability to get the win,” Edwin Ipape said.

He has the passion for the Kumuls and remembers always longing to be in that jumper as a young Papua New Guinean playing backyard footy.

“It means everything as a young man growing up I always dreamed of being a Kumul it is the pinnacle of Papua New Guinea rugby league. I always picked up the ball and commentated myself running a play.

“I remember watching all the Kumuls legends during my time, Larsen Marabe, Dion Aiye and the list goes on. When Kumuls lose I get very disappointed but we love the Kumuls, and we strive to produce the best.”

Justin Holbrook, PNG Kumuls Coach has confirmed that Ipape will be the starting hooker against the Fiji Bati. This pushes Judah Rimbu to the bench and Liam Horne to the extended bench. Edwin forms a very strong spine, with Lachlan Lam and Kyle Laybutt in the halves and Alex Johnston at fullback. The Kumuls spine will be of great importance in keeping the game in control, against a Fiji side that has a NRL star-studded backline and a forward pack that looks to dominate up the middle.

Ipapes team mate at Leigh Leopards Lachlan Lam will be instrumental with Edwin to rekindle their collaboration at their club.

“We all know what Lachlan Lam is like when he puts on the Kumuls Jersey. He is a very competitive young man when he puts on the jersey,” Ipape said.

The inclusion of Rhys Martin, Wellington Albert, and Kevin Appo has caused changes to the side. With Nixon Putt, Junior Rop and Liam Horn moved to the extended bench.

Benji Kot will replace Rodrick Tai at center; Tai has suffered a knee injury and has been sidelined. While Mekenzie Yei is also with injury.

Despite Fiji boasting a heavier pack and a NRL star studded line up in the backs, PNG continues to excel at home with a more that rousing home crowd. No doubt PNG will lift in their performance.

Wellington Albert is coming off a Betfred Championship win with the London Broncos and is not going to take the Fijians lightly. He is pumped and was very feisty and upbeat at training on Monday. He acknowledged the long standing Melanesian rivalry in rugby league. Adding that PNG has the size and tenacity to match the Fijians.

“Fijians are big and strong, same as the Kumuls. They have more NRL based players unlike us. They got big boys and we also have big boys,” Albert said with smile.

Coach Justin Holbrook says he will be re-assessing the team after the game and picking the best team for the final.

“Fiji is really strong on the outside backs, they got speed. We played very well against the Cook Islanders this time around. We just need to make sure we get our game right. The combinations are coming out well. Kyle and Lam in the halves combination doing well. Hope everyone can get behind us this Sunday in front of a sellout crowd,” Holbrook said.

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Rugby League

Farewell Cook Islanders

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Cook Islanders Farewell

It’s a rare sight to see rugby teams of Pacific countries coming together to share a meal off of the rugby field.

But that was what happened in Port Moresby yesterday when PNG Prime Minister, James Marape hosted a warm and culturally enriched dinner for PNG Kumuls, Fiji Batis, and Cook Islands men’s and women’s teams.

The dinner served as a farewell kaikai for the Cook Islands’ men’s and women’s teams. Who spent two memorable weeks in Port Moresby participating in the Pacific Championship Bowl tournament.

Marape thanked and acknowledged the Cook Islands and Fiji Rugby League Teams for their participation and stay in Port Moresby.

“The contacts that you make today are the ones you will keep forever. We appreciate that you have spent two weeks with us. Take the memories of Papua New Guinea with you as you return home. And consider visiting us again in the future,” Marape told the players.

The Fijian side will still be in country to prepare for their match against PNG this coming weekend.

Marape, while speaking to the players emphasized the potential collaboration between PNG and the Pacific Islands. Asserting that if PNG succeeds in securing its bid for the 18th Australian NRL team, Pacific players will be an integral part of the team, based out of PNG.

“As Cook Islands leave, we thank you, on behalf of the entire 800 plus tribes of Papua New Guinea, including the Motu-Koita people on whose land we stay today,” Marape added.

Speaking as the big brother nation, Marape emphasised the sense of unity among Pacific Island countries.

“We regard the visiting teams as family, and all of us are part of one Pacific,” Marape remarked.

Marape believes the long-lasting friendships and contacts forged during this tournament will be treasured by the players.

” To the young players, he offered words of encouragement, highlighting their promising future in rugby league,” Marape concluded.

Farewell Cook Islanders
PNG Prime Minister James Marape with the Cook Islands Womens team.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/more-matches-for-pacific-islanders/

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Rugby League

More Matches for Pacific Islanders

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Pacific Championship

The Pacific Championship has given renewed hope of further development of players from the pacific region.

There isn’t much representative rugby league for most national teams in the region. The revamped Pacific Test in its new version as the Pacific Championship offers that opportunity for players to feature at the international stage. In turn this could lead to opportunities for a shot either in the NRL or the WNRL.

The concept also provides national teams with the opportunity to have international matches outside of the World Cup.

Coach of the Samoan women’s team former NRL Player Jamie Soward says the concept should remain annually and be a benchmark for player selection for the NRL and WNRL.

Fiji Women’s Coach Shane Morris also wants the concept to continue and provide an opportunity for the women to experience international fixtures, Morris added that rugby league in Fiji is slowly picking up pace and concepts like the Pacific Championship drives the interests of players.

Pacific Championship

Cook Islands Captain Brad Takairangi said rugby league in the Cook Islands is very popular and concepts like the Pacific Championships is very important. Some countries don’t get much exposure on the international stage especially when its outside of the World Cup.

Pacific Championship

Recent: https://insidepng.com/judah-rimbu-impressive-on-debut/

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Rugby League

Judah Rimbu Impressive on Debut

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Judah Rimbu

Judah Rimbu is fast becoming a breakout star for the Kumuls and has been gathering praise from a lot of the players in the team including the Coach, Justin Holbrook.

His performance on Sunday in the Pacific Championship Bowl Challenge against the Cook Islands was nothing short of hard work, he played 74 minutes making a total of 40 tackles and 84 passes at dummy half. He also had a try assist to his name. His contribution was praised in the 46 to 10 victory over the Cook Islands.

With the absence of Edwin Ipape, Judah made sure to perform at rake for the Kumuls.

His performance in the Prime Ministers XIII ensured a call up to debut for the Kumuls and Coach Justin Holbrook keeps piling on the praise.

Fellow teammate Jacob Alick was also commending of Judah adding that despite having a few marque players absent Judah was a standout on debut.

Judah Rimbu being the humble chap says he had dreamed of a Kumuls call up and said making sacrifices and hardwork has taken him this far.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/nene-macdonald-lifeblood-in-kumuls-camp/

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Rugby League

Don Polye on Rugby League NRL Bid

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NRL Bid

Sports Minister, Don Polye after the Pacific Championships Bowl Challenge Match, commended the Kumuls on their win over the Cook Islands Aitu, and gave an update on a proposed Bill to be presented to Parliament.

The Bill will help with providing a guide for PNG to chart a course to a successful NRL Bid.

It will cover the development pathways and funding aspects associated with meeting the standards of the NRL competition.

Polye mentioned that Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League was refining the proposed bill to be presented by the Minister to Parliament.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/nene-macdonald-lifeblood-in-kumuls-camp/

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Rugby League

Nene Macdonald Lifeblood in Kumuls Camp

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Nene Macdonald

Nene Macdonald has been described as a leader in the Kumuls camp by Coach Justin Holbrook. The Kumuls finisher racked up to 214 run meters the highest in the match, five tackle breaks and two line breaks yesterday against the Cook Islands, a gutsy show of leadership.

Four try hero Nene Macdonald was out of football for an extended period. Due to paternity leave and recently severed ties with his club the Leeds Rhions. But amidst the controversy he was selected for the PM’s XIII challenge and ultimately to the Kumuls and yesterday scored four tries against the Cook Islands.

Kumuls Coach Justin Holbrook said Nene seemingly is like the lifeblood of the team. He says Nene has been a leader in camp and has much to offer. Holbrook couldn’t pass the opportunity to have Nene on the team and his decision has been rewarded with Nenes performance on Sunday.

“Nene loves playing for the Kumuls you know. The minute he steps into camp he is one of the leaders. He gets everyone together, he makes sure there is a good environment.

“I keep reminding him train hard and play well. He just loves being back home in PNG with everyone like that. It makes for a good environment.

The PNG Kumuls have put themselves as favorites on home soil for the Pacific Championships Bowl Challenge with a convincing win over Cook Islands 46-10, but they will face their toughest opponent the Fiji Bati.

PNG is currently ranked 6th, while Fiji is ranked 7th according to International Rugby League rankings. Fiji take on the Cook Islands this weekend. While PNG will be on bye and face Melanesian rivals Fiji on the 29th of October 2023.

Despite Cook Islands best efforts in the second half, PNG managed to dominate the score board. Coach Justin Holbrook said they overcame the challenge of Cook Islands but he feels the biggest challenge they face is Fiji.

“We had a big lead obviously and it was tough conditions, and we were good enough to come out with a win.

“Some of these players hadn’t played footy in a while and it’s great to have a hit out and we really enjoyed it.

“Yes we have to be more consistent, Fiji obviously is a stronger side and we know that we had discussed that as a team, it’s just the first game but we will work hard on finishing the game a lot better,” Holbrook said.

With Edwin Ipape, Rhys Martin and Wellington Albert yet to arrive in Port Moresby Holbrook will be making some tough calls to the lineup.

“It will be a tough decision for me in a couple of weeks’ time against Fiji. Knowing the quality of the depth of players we have in our camp. Ultimately that’s what we want. To have a big pool of players to choose from,” Holbrook said.

PNG ran in nine tries in a dominant performance against a woeful Cook Islands side, that were battered early on. Managing to pick up their game in the second half to score two tries.

PNG managed to capitalize on the Cook Islanders poor defensive effort, with winger Nene Macdonald scouring four, while Zac Lybutt on debut, bagged himself two tries. Epel Kapinias, Valentine Richard and Robert Derby each scored a try as well.

Zack Laybutt with the boot managed to convert 5 from 10 conversion attempts.

Kumuls Coach, Justin Holbrook, was impressed with the team’s performance. The Kumuls led 30 – 0 at halftime but struggled to maintain their barnstorming effort in the first half. The Cooks managed to take advantage of the Kumuls downtime scoring two tries to Esom Ioka and Steven Masters.

The game ended with PNG coming out winners 46 to 10.

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Rugby League

Kumuls Determined to Make Final on Home Soil

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Pacific Championships

The Papua New Guinea LNG Kumuls are quietly confident they can make it to the finals of the Pacific Championships Bowl Challenge.

They take nothing away from the Cook Islands and Fiji, but with the home crowd and the recent outing at the PMs 13 PNG are looking good as favorites on home soil.

The Kumuls were spirited during training yesterday in preparation for their match against the Cook Islands on Sunday; the team boasts a good amount of cohesion in the team with only six debutants for the Kumuls.

Old heads in Daniel Russell, Nene Macdonald, Lachlan Lam, Kyle Laybutt and Nixon Putt will once again don the Kumul jumper and lead this dynamic team for their first match of the three game series.

Experienced players in debutant Jack De Belin and dynamic finisher Alex Johnston bring in the NRL experience, to boost a lively Kumuls outfit.

Kumuls Coach Justin Holbrook says they are determined to make it to the finals.

“Obviously we want to win it, we want to qualify for the final and it starts this weekend. The final will be played here on Sunday November 5, so we want to be a part of that and we want to win the Pacific test,” Holbrook said

The team is not at full strength with Justin Olam, Edwin Ipapae and Rhys Martin not on the team sheet for this Sunday. Wellington Albert was not present during training as well.

“So obviously we would love to have Edwin here but he coped a one game suspension from his last game of Super League and, and Justin Olam is the other one who’s still out injured with a knee injury so he’s still doing his rehab down in Melbourne.

“So there’ll be no changes to the side that we’ve named for this game but you know they could possibly come in for the for the Fiji game,” Holbrook said

With Rhys Martin out of the picture for this weekend’s match Kyle Laybutt is the best option for Captain.

“We well have to announce that but I was really impressed with the way Kyle Laybutt was for the PMs 13 the other week and then Fantastic job all weekend training so he’s more than likely be in the running for that,” Holbrook said

Holbrook added that the inclusion of NRL players in the team will benefit the team greatly both on and off the field.

“It’s about how they handle the whole week their professionalism in training the way they do their day to day training and watching the way they operate its just tremendous for our guys, we have a good mix of different levels in this side and the younger guys can really learn.

The inclusion of Jack De Belin into the Kumuls side has caused some controversy, but Holbrook said it was him that called Jack to offer the opportunity to help boost capacity in the team, as an experienced player in the NRL Jack has more to offer especially to the young talent in the team.

“I rang Jack and just explained to him that you know, it was a great opportunity for you to help these guys develop and with your experience in the game, and, you know, that’s why he jumped at the opportunity this week. He’s really loved being here and you can see the passion up here and he can’t wait to play on Sunday either. So just add those guys with that much experience in the game and they can really help develop at a faster rate than if they weren’t here. So I’m really excited that Jack and the other senior boys here this time,” Holbrook said.

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Rugby League

Pacific Championships Squads Announced

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Pacific Championships

The Papua New Guinea Rugby League (PNGRFL) CEO, Stanley Hondina together with PNG LNG Kumuls Chairman, Wapu Sonk and the newly appointed Chairlady for the Santos PNG Orchids, Celestine Ove, in a press release, announced the 21-person squads for the upcoming Pacific Championships this October – November 2023.

Papua New Guinea will participate with the PNG LNG Kumuls and the Santos PNG Orchids, playing matches in Port Moresby.

The teams under Head Coaches Justin Holbrook of the PNG LNG Kumuls and Ben Jeffries of the Santos PNG Orchids, are set to field the best available athletes in the sport, competing at the highest possible level and also exposing talent having come through the existing PNGRFL pathways.

Mr. Hondina shared, “With the excitement from the Prime Minister’s XIII and finally having international exhibition and test matches now returning to PNG, we are seeing the different levels of the pathway for our game highlight the ability of our pool of players from the various national championships and now the mentioned matches.”

“Our Coaches have been entrusted to engage and take our teams to where they need to be for these matches and I take this time to thank them for their leadership and wish them the best as they prepare for their upcoming matches,” Hondina added.

The PNG LNG Kumuls will vie for the Pacific Championship Bowl.

Match 1: 15th October 2023 Santos National Football Stadium
Match 2: 29th October 2023, Santos National Football Stadium
Match 3:– Finals TBC- 5th November 2023 at the Santos National Football Stadium

PNG LNG Kumuls

PNG LNG Kumuls Head Coach, Justin Holbrook, will lead his team boasting PNG exports to England, Edwin Ipape of the Leigh Leopards and Wellington Albert of the London Broncos. The squad sees the injection of seasoned Kumul and RLWC Captain, Rhyse Martin, alongside the likes of NRL top performer, Alex Johnston. New faces to the squad include, Jack De Belin next to experienced Kumuls forward, Dan Russell both from NRL side, St. George Illawarra.

The Pacific Bowl series will also likely see PNG Hunters, Judah Rimbu, Junior Rop and Valentine Richard earn their Kumuls numbers as they make their debuts.

Wapu Sonk, Chairman of the PNG LNG Kumuls, said, “We saw an outstanding effort from our PMXIII’s side in September and it is a privilege to announce this year’s Pacific Championship squad, with a high calibre of our PNG players assembling from Australia, England and Papua New Guinea, to fly our flag for the first test match in country, since the 2019 Great Britain Lions match.”

Santos PNG Orchids

The Santos PNG Orchids squad will feature 12 Orchids who have earnt their numbers in the recent 2022 Rugby League World Cup and previous test matches. Whilst 6 have come from the PNGRFL National Women’s Championships which includes two promising talents from the Junior Orchids, Meli Joe and Yolanda Taute. After their performances during their Prime Minister’s XIII weekend match against the Australian School Girls side last month.

The Ben Jeffries coached side will go up against the Cook Island Moana 12:30pm, Sunday 22nd October, Santos National Football Stadium.

Newly appointed Chairlady of the Santos PNG Orchids and PNG Communications Manager of naming rights sponsor Santos, Ms. Celestine Ove, said, “The journey of the Santos PNG Orchids, has been one that continues to see the advancement of women in the sport and this squad highlights and celebrates the progress of our women and girls. Seeing our NRLW and Australian based players combined with the strong upcoming domestic talent and Juniors, is an indication of the evolution of the women’s game and I am proud to be able to share this squad, who will represent PNG come 22nd October.”

The Pacific Championships squads are as below:
2023 PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIPS
PNG LNG KUMULS SQUAD
15 OCTOBER -5 NOVEMBER 2023
1
Alex Johnston
South Sydney Rabbitoh
2
Benji Kot
PNG Hunters
3
Dan Russell
St. George Illawarra Dragons
4
Edwin Ipape
Leigh Leopards
5
Epel Kapinias
PNG Hunters
6
Jack De Belin
St. George Illawarra Dragons
7
Jacob Alick
Gold Coast Titans
8
Judah Rimbu
PNG Hunters
9
Junior Rop
PNG Hunters
10
Justin Olam
Melbourne Storm
11
Kyle Laybutt
Townsville Blackhawks
12
Lachlan Lam
Leigh Leopards
13
Liam Horne
Castleford Tigers
14
Nene Macdonald
Leeds Rhinos
15
Nixon Putt
Castleford Tigers
16
Rhyse Martin
Leeds Rhinos
17
Robert Derby
North Queensland Cowboys
18
Rodrick Tai
PNG Hunters
19
Valentine Richard
Central Qld Capras
20
Wellington Albert
London Broncos
21
Zac Laybutt
North Queensland Cowboys

2023 PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIPS
SANTOS PNG ORCHIDS SQUAD
PNG V COOK ISLANDS, 22 OCTOBER 2023
1
Almah Johnson
PNG
2
Belinda Gwasumun
PNG
3
Bertshiba Awoi
PNG
4
Elsie Albert
NSW
5
Emily Veivers
QLD
6
Essay Banu
AUS
7
Freda Waula
PNG
8
Gloria Kaupa
NSW
9
Jessikah Reeves
AUS
10
Lancy Ulkambane
PNG
11
La-Toniya Norris-Addo
NT
12
Leila Kerowa
PNG
13
Lyiannah Allen
PNG
14
Meli Joe
PNG
15
Roswita Kapo
NSW
16
Sareka Mooka
QLD
17
Sera Koroi
QLD
18
Shellie Long
QLD
19
Sillah Rumints
VIC
20
Ua Ravu
ACT
21
Yolanda Taute
PNG

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Rugby League

PNGRFL Appoints Tony Archer

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Tony Archer

Rugby League in PNG has received another major boost with the appointment of Tony Archer to head up their Competition Governance and Match Officials.

On the back of Joe Grima’s appointment as Head of Player Pathways and Justin Holbrook’s decision to take on the National Coaching role with the Kumuls, Archer’s appointment is another major step forward for PNG as they look to create a game-wide structure that will help them become the next team admitted to the National Rugby League.

The passion for the game in the country has again been on show in recent months, with sell-out crowds for the finals series of the Digicel Exxon Mobil Cup matches, including the Grand Final and the more recently held PM’s XIII weekend.

Archer’s background as an official is impressive. After making his National Rugby League first grade debut in 1999, Archer went on to referee 295 NRL games between 1999 and 2012, forming a reputation as one of the best referees in the game.

During his stellar career he took charge of many important matches, including six consecutive NRL Grand Finals between 2007 and 2012.

His representative career was also decorated, with Archer refereeing 13 State of Origin matches and 9 International matches, including the 2008 World Cup and 2010 Four Nations decider.

This level of consistency led to him being named International Referee of the Year in 2007, 2008 and 2010.

After retiring in 2012, Archer began his move into the coaching of officials, and in late 2013 he took over from Daniel Anderson as Referees Elite Performance Manager, which he held between 2014 and 2018. In 2017 he led the Officials for the Rugby League World Cup. Currently his role with the NRL includes Education, Development and Pathways of Officials.

Stanley Hondina, CEO PNGRFL, saw Archer’s appointment as another significant step forward for rugby league in PNG:

“Officiating and Competition Governance is an incredibly important part of the game and to have someone of Tony’s experience and expertise head up that area for PNG is tremendous news.”
“We are looking to create the best possible pathways for our players and that requires high quality officiating and professional competition governance from the grass roots all the way through to the senior level.”
“Tony has performed this role successfully with the NRL, and he will bring a wealth of knowledge and ideas that will help us create a new generation of officials for both the men’s and women’s programs going forward.”
“We look forward to Tony starting with us in the coming weeks”.

Tony Archer
Tony Archer officiating an NRL match.

Tony Archer expressed his excitement at the opportunity to contribute to the game in PNG:

“Building the foundation in Officiating and Governance from the grass roots upwards is crucial when it comes to creating a strong pathways system in sport.”
“When it comes to being able to contribute to the game in Papua New Guinea, it is a unique and exciting opportunity to work with such passionate people who love the game of Rugby League and are so determined to see it continue to grow.”
“Speaking to those involved I know the time and effort that has gone into creating a strategic approach to building a professional structure and making sure that the development of officials and the correct competition governance sits as a high priority.”
“I can’t wait to start and to work with the next generation of officials. Having seen the steps that have been put in place in terms of pathways and coaching, I’m excited about what lies ahead for the game in PNG.”

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