In this special coverage of the 2026 PNGDF Commander’s Cup, Inside PNG chatted with LRRU Troopers on their preparations.
Team: LRRU Troopers
Unit Base: Goldie Barracks, Central Province.
Q&A Session with LRRU Troopers’ Lt. Keith Manuta
Q: Tell us about yourself and the role that you play in the LRRU Trooper’s Team for this year’s Commander’s Cup?
A: I am the Team Manager for LRRU Troopers. My name is Lieutenant Keith Manutu.
Q: The Commander’s Cup brings together all PNGDF Units to compete in the code of Rugby Union. What does it mean for LRRU Troopers to be one of the 10 units taking part?
A: It is an exciting time for all Units to take part in the Commander’s Cup Competition. For LRRU,we are happy to be one of the ten units competing.
Q: LRRU is the smaller Unit in PNGDF, but plays a special role in the overall functions of PNGDF. Can you explain a little bit more on what the LRRU does in the PNGDF?
A: LRRU stands for Long Range Reconnaissance Unit and is located at the Goldie River. Though we are based out of Goldie Barracks, our roles and specialty is very different from the Training Depot.
We are a special unit in the PNGDF and supports the PNG Government in specialized operations. The Unit was established in 1996, the unit turned 30 in March this year. When it was first created, it was called Special Forces Unit (SFU).
Q: How does it feel being part of the LRRU Troopers and taking part in the Commander’s Cup?
A: It is a great feeling being a Trooper myself. It gives me a sense of belonging to a Unit. For the players, it is a wonderful feeling and is a feeling of pride to represent our unit in the PNGDF.
Q: What placing did LRRU achieve in 2023 CDF’s challenge and what are some lessons the team has learned from the last Commander’s Cup?
A: The 2023 Commander’s Challenge in Lae was a very challenging one for the unit. LRRU is small unit in size. So, we had limited manpower, high PNGDF operational demand at that time and the games were in Lae so we had no option but to pull out of the competition.
But the driving factor and motivation that brought Team Troopers to be included in the CDF Rugby Cup in 2023 was not only to participate but our representation there was to remind the bigger units that LRRU is still capable to be a Unit on its own just like any other PNGDF Units.
Despite sitting at the bottom of the competition ladder we were present.
Q: How is training going for LRRU? What kind of support does the LRRU need in preparations for the CDF cup?
A: Every new day comes with its own challenges like limited manpower and multiple tasking on hand. Our preparations for the first few weeks have not been so great. But we continue to show up and make ourselves available on the training grounds and gradually we have picked up well with our training and preparation.
We are very blessed to have a professional coaching team that is teaching us the fundamentals of the Rugby Union Code. Each player has now understood their roles and responsibilities within the team.
The coaching support has been tremendous, and a couple of sponsors have put their hands up to support the Unit with training aids. Training and administration are well underway, and the team now looks ready to hit the camp towards the end of this month in preparation for the game day.
Q: What is the best part of the Commander’s Cup as a member of PNGDF?
A: The LRRU Troopers is still fighting for the best part and that is to win the Grand final match. The aim is to win hold Commander’s Cup and show the other units that LRRU is small is size but can win a competition the size of the Commander’s Cup.
Q: How does it feel to have representatives from all units come together for this challenge?
A: It’s always a good feeling to see all members of the PNGDF converging together once again for only one reason and that is; comradeship, relationship, esprit de corps, commitment, loyalty, sacrifice and service we provide to this beautiful organization, our country, our region and our people.
Q: A final word from team LRRU?
A: LRRU is determined and ready to put up a challenge against the bigger units. We may be small in numbers, but we will show up to participate at whatever challenge is in front of us. May the best team win. Go the Trooper!
