Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited has backed the PNG LNG Kumuls as the platinum sponsor.

The three-year deal was announced this afternoon at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. 

KPHL Managing Director, Wapu Sonk and PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Hondina signed the deal for the support and growth of rugby league in the country.

“We are proud to announce the sponsorship and also partner with other sponsors like PNG LNG, Digicel PNG, NGCB and the others,” said MD Sonk.

He thanked the KPHL Board for making this a priority.

“I thank the Government of the day to back rugby league. It’s an investment and hopefully we get results like the recent game between the PNG Kumuls and Fiji Batis,” said Sonk.

The sponsorship begins this year and will support the PNG Kumuls as preparations for the Prime Minister’s 13 and World Cup begins. 

KPHL is also a platinum sponsor for the PNG Hunters program, school rugby league and are part owner of franchise club, Hela Wigmen.

PNGRFL CEO, Stanley Hondina expressed his gratitude to the KPHL Board and Mr Sonk for their endless support for rugby league in Papua New Guinea. 

He said this is crucial for PNGRFL.

“We appreciate the partnership with KPHL including the other sponsors. They have invested a lot in rugby league. It is this type of support that will develop the players and game,” said Hondina.

CEO Hondina said it’s more than just rugby league. “We share the values of nation building. Such investment will assist PNGRFL to shape and mold men and women who can be good citizens,” Hondina said. 

Hondina said rugby league is growing because of good partnerships by corporate giants. 

Meanwhile Hondina said PNG LNG Kumuls will only play one game before the Rugby World Cup and that is the Prime Minister’s 13.

“It’s the only trial match for the Kumuls and we wish them well,” said Hondina.

The KPHL platinum sponsorship begins this year and will end in 2024.