NRL insists competitiveness part of PNG criteria
Andrew Abdo has emphasised the NRL must believe a Papua New Guinea team can be genuinely competitive before it is given the green light to enter an expanded competition. The league will take the next step towards
NRL and Australian federal government dosing in on $600m deal to launch PNG rugby league team
The Australian federal government and the NRL are closing in on a deal worth up to $600 million (US$400 million) to secure a new NRL side based in Papua New Guinea. NRL chairman Peter V’landys met with Minister
Fiji, Samoa and Tonga all options for future NSW Cup NRL
The NSW Rugby League has set their sights on fielding teams from Fiji, Samoa and Tonga in their main competition as part of the game’s push into the Pacific. The code’s Pacific expansion remains a key
Australian PM reaffirms backing for PNG NRL side
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has doubled down on his support for ARLC chairman Peter V’landys’ National Rugby League (NRL) expansion bid, calling for a 20-team competition. V’landys is reportedly
Vanuatu’s first women’s rugby league team already winners, says manager
Vanuatu’s first-ever rugby league team in the women’s category will add to the excitement building in Honiara for the 2023 Pacific Games, with Vanuatu Rugby League (VRL) founding member and team manager of
‘Our players deserve better opportunities’: NRL clubs urged to sign PNG talent
Kumuls coach Justin Holbrook believes PNG’s Pacific Bowl triumph is just the first step in a dramatic rise for the league mad nation and predicted more of his players would soon be playing in the NRL. Holbrook guided
PNG Kumuls claim Pacific Bowl against Fiji
The PNG Kumuls delighted their home crowd and turned around their fortunes following a poor performance last week to claim the inaugural Pacific Bowl with a 32-12 win against Fiji. Embarrassed last Sunday by the Bati in
From gravel field debut to most capped Kumul: Martin proud of PNG legacy
Rhyse Martin expressed pride in the development of the game in Papua New Guinea as he prepares to become the most capped Kumuls player in Sunday’s Pacific Bowl final against Fiji at Santos National Football Stadium.
Fiji Bati party in PNG with big win over Kumuls 43-16
Fiji Bati produced a clinical performance to stun the Papua New Guinea Kumuls 43-16 in Port Moresby on Sunday. With Maika Sivo and Kurt Donoghue both claiming a double at Santos National Football Stadium, the Bati
History three-peats itself as Cleary masterclass guides Panthers to glory
Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary has produced the finest performance of his career to lead the premiers to a remarkable 26-24 triumph over the Broncos in an epic decider at Accor Stadium. Trailing by 16 points after an
World Cup final rematches headline end of year Pacific Championships
The Kangaroos will host Toa Samoa and the Jillaroos will play the Kiwi Ferns in re-matches of last year’s World Cup finals to kick off a new Pacific Championships involving men’s and women’s teams from seven