Inside PNG continues its Special Coverage of the 2026 PNGDF Commander’s Cup Challenge with a Q&A Session with Team Manager for FSB Tigers.
Team: FSB Tigers.
Unit Base: Murray Barracks.
Q: Tell us about yourself and the role you play in preparing the FSB Tigers for the Commander’s Cup.
A: I am Danny Mange, a serving member in the Papua New Guinea Defence Force. I am the Team Manager for the FSB Tigers. Being involved in the Commander’s Cup is a great honour for me to be part of the officials for FSB Tigers.
As Team Manager, it is a great responsibility, and a privilege. Managing the Tigers is not entirely focused on the game, it is about looking after the soldiers also. It involves supporting the coach and ensuring that players remain committed and disciplined.
The players represent the FSB Unit.
Q: What is the story behind the name FSB Tigers?
A: I was a kid when I first heard this name Tigers. The name given to Murray Barracks, was MBA it means Murray Barracks Area that was from the 1980s upwards.
In 2008 they officially changed the name to Force Support Battalion when the FSB Unit was established.
The name FSB Tigers originated from Foodland Tigers. The story was back in 1991 a support unit from Murray Barracks Area was formed and sent to assist PNGDF in the Bougainville Crisis. That unit was called Foodland Tigers and FSB has adopted that name.
Q: In the previous Commander’s Cup Competition, did you take up an official role similar to this?
A: No, this is the first time I am taking up the role as Team Manager for FSB. However, I do have experience as the General Manager for the Defence Rugby Club.
Q: As someone who has been involved in Rugby Union, can you give us a brief explanation of how the Commander’s Cup has transitioned from Rugby 7s to now 15s?
A: Yes, initially when the Commander’s Cup Challenge was started, it was a Rugby Sevens Tournament, it later increased to 10 players and now it will have 15 players.
For the 15s tournament, each team will have 23 players and eight reserves. The 15s tournament was introduced in 2023 and for this year, it will be a 15s tournament again.
The Competition is growing in the number of players, supporters and sponsors also.
Q: Tell us about the FSB Unit. What makes it unique or different from the other nine PNGDF Units?
A: FSB is the youngest unit in PNGDF. It is a Logistics Unit and supports the Operations of the PNGDF.
FSB Stands for Force Support Battalion. We have smaller units like Signal Squadron, Military Band, Transport Platoon, Supply Company and Military Police. It is a new unit but plays a vital role in PNGDF.
Q: The Challenge for the Commander’s Cup brings all ten units together to compete in the code of Rugby Union. For FSB Tigers, what does it mean for the players to represent their unit?
A: The Challenge gives us an opportunity to represent our unit and showcase our talent in a different space than the normal work we do as soldiers. It gives us the chance to compete against other PNGDF units.
The competition brings all our soldiers together through rugby, there is teamwork and discipline and shows the pride we have in the Defence Force.
Q: What place did FSB Tigers finish off in the 2023 Commander’s Cup in Lae?
A: For 2023, FSB fell out of the semi-final playoffs. We probably finished in sixth or seventh place in Lae. We have identified what we lacked in the 2023 competition in Lae.
For 2026, every player is giving his 110% effort, they are committing themselves and I see there is improvement compared to the 2023 preparation.
Q: What is the best part of the Commander’s Cup as an official and as a member of the PNGDF?
A: The best part is seeing soldiers and supporters from other units, coming together through rugby. We may be working in different units, but in the Commander’s Cup, it creates unity, friendships, healthy competition and the opportunity to build stronger relations amongst soldiers.
It is something special that the Commander’s Cup brings to us. It is not only about winning, but also about the unity that it creates and pride for the unit we represent.
Q: Is there a particular unit FSB Tigers is looking forward to challenging?
A: Yes, any outside Unit we are looking forward to putting up a good challenge. For us soldiers, we say Commander’s Cup is almost like the Stage of Origin Matches for soldiers. We do not want to pick up a team. We are only looking forward to facing any unit on the battlefield.
Q: What is your message to the FSB Players and Supporters?
A: I would like to thank the PNGDF Leadership, the host unit and the coaching staff, the supporters and sponsors who have and will contribute to the tournament.
To our team, the FSB Tigers, our goal is to represent FSB Tigers with pride, discipline and respect. One Team, One Purpose, One Tiger Spirit. Go the FSB Tigers. May the best team win.
