Q & A with Lombrum Sharks
Team: Lombrum Sharks
Unit Base: Lombrum Naval Base, Manus Province
IN THIS special coverage of the 2026 PNGDF Commander’s Cup, Inside PNG talked with the Team Manager for Lombrum Sharks to find out how the unit is preparing ahead of the games in September.
Q: Tell us about yourself and the role you play in preparing Lombrum Sharks for the Commander’s Cup in September.
A: My name is Lieutenant Lenny Tom, I am the Operations Officer and currently Executive Officer of the HMPNGS Tarangau. I am also the Team Manager for the Lombrum Sharks.
My primary role as Team Manager is to administratively liaise with the coordinating team from HQ at Murray Barracks to make sure we have updated information so I can relay that to the team.
The competition dates are important because as an outside unit, relying on updated information is essential for us to work towards. I am responsible for getting the team’s administrations in order before we travel to Port Moresby.
Q: The Lombrum Naval Base is the furthest PNGDF establishment away from Port Moesby. Tell us about how the Naval Base supports the functions of the PNGDF.
A: Lombrum Naval Base is now formally known as HMPNGS Tarangaus, it is the home of the Patrol Boats Squadron. Our primary role is to protect the maritime boundaries of the sovereign state of Papua New Guinea. We deal with illegal fishing, illegal smuggling at sea, Humanitarian Disaster Relief or HDR and Search and Rescue.
Q: How is training going so far for the Sharks?
A: We are picking up the pace with our training. Our Coach Stanely Susuve flew iin from Port Moresby last week and has been taking the players through the paces. I was with the team during one of the training sessions and I saw a big improvement.
We are struggling with manpower at the moment. A lot of the potential players are on board the patrol boats. With the operational demands, most of them are out at sea or away from the base at the moment.
At this stage we are working with a handful of the boys currently on base. Before the coach flew up to Manus, we were participating in the local town competition. So the Lombrum Sharks were taking part in the 7s Competition and that was a step we took to prepare the team while waiting for proper training.
Q: As the furthest away from where the games will be played, what are the immediate challenges that Lombrum Sharks will need to overcome to participate in the competition?
A: Funding would be our biggest challenge that we are working towards, since we are an outside unit, it would be more costly for us compared to all other units.
While we have initial support, we cannot fully rely on that. We have gone ahead and sent letters to source funds and welcome the support of business houses or others willing to support the Lombrum Sharks.
Q: It might be too early to provide a confirmed number of players and officials from Lombrum Sharks travelling to Port Moresby for the games in September. But can you give an estimate on the number of team members travelling?
A: We have four officials and 23 players who are currently in training. Again, most of the players we want to be on the team are out at sea on patrol. Operational demand is something we are trying to work around to try to get our potential players to join the team. It does not look good for us, but we are working with the 23 players we have right now.
At this stage I believe there are 23 players and four officials confirmed to travel to Port Moresby.
Q: Are the Sharks travelling to Port Moresby on one of its patrol boats? Or is the team flying into Port Moresby?
A: At this stage, the mode of transport to travel to Port Moresby is not yet confirmed. We have heard the Australian Defence Force may assist with one of their planes. Traveling to Port Moresby on a patrol boat is an option that we can utilize but at this stage, it is not yet confirmed.
Q: How does it feel bringing the team from Lombrum to take part in the Commander’s Cup?
A: It is a good feeling and I know once in Port Moresby, it will be a learning experience for the players. It will be a good feeling, mixing with the other teams, in a competition where each unit wants to send their best.
Q: What is the best part of being involved in the Commander’s Cup?
A: I think the best part is to bring the team to Port Moresby. The competition happens every two to three years so being part of a team is the best part. To be part of the team that carries the unit’s name and representing the maritime element, especially being from the Patrol Boat Base.
There are only two maritime units in the PNGDF and coming from Tarangau Base is a privilege. It is a good feeling to lead the team to Port Moresby.
Q: The organizing of the Commander’s Cup is a huge task for the hosting Unit, do you have some comments you’d like the hosting team to work on to ensure outside units like the Lombrum Sharks prepare well before coming for the Games?
A: Yes, I can speak for the Northern Units like the boys in Wewak (Moem Barracks), Igam Crcos and Lombrum itself, we are outside units and we will rely on updated and timely information from the hosting unit.
Funding will always be a challenge but having updated information, we can prepare the team well administratively. Otherwise, I want to thank the hosting unit and everyone involved. It will be a good challenge and may the best team win.
