rugby league

Walters outlines plans for Cobbo switch

Broncos mentor Kevin Walters made the claim this week during his first media availability for 2024, in which he all but confirmed 21-year-old Cobbo will step into the centre role made vacant by Herbie Farnworth's departure to the Dolphins. 

While Cobbo played four games in the centres back in his rookie season in 2021, he hasn't started an NRL game there since and last November was picked by Mal Meninga to play for the Kangaroos on the flank, having earlier in the year scored a double on the right wing for the Maroons in Origin I. 

Kimbe Cutters unveil talent search

The trials kicked off with a Rugby Nines tournament at the Hoskins government station, featuring 12 teams from the Nakanai district.

Teams battled fiercely, concluding the games in the afternoon, as the Cutters aim to identify promising players from rural areas for the upcoming Digicel ExxonMobil Cup competition. 

Cutters team manager, Lucas Samak disclosed that the trials have commenced in Nakanai and will extend to Kimbe, incorporating teams from various parts of the province.

Buka misses Lahanis selection

Most of the players who were apart of the grand final team last year, including Christopher Urakusi, Douzen Hoyato, and Kafu Ken who spent the preseason training with the PNG Hunters, have been named in the side.

While the squad remains complete, some big names have missed out on selection.

The most notable omission in the squad is skipper and long-time member of the club, Charlie Buka.

The Lahanis hooker played a pivotal role in the astronomical rise of the club last season. His absence from the list raises eyebrows, raising more questions than answers.

Marshall set to land another big-name recruitment coup

The Wests Tigers are set to announce another big signing in the coming days, with Storm centre Justin Olam reportedly agreeing on a deal with the reigning wooden spooners.

The Tigers got their main off-season target in Jarome Luai on a five-year deal from 2025, and according to The Daily Telegraph, Olam will also be heading to Concord.

Luai makes Tigers switch official

The Penrith star revealed the news in a press conference in Darling Harbour after the Panthers reportedly waived the 10-day cooling off period.

Luai described the call to leave the Panthers as “probably the toughest decision of my career and probably life so far.”

21st edition of The Ipatas Cup

The 2023-2024 season marks 21 years since the competition was initiated by visionary leader and action Egan governor Sir Peter Ipatas in 2002 under foundation naming right sponsor Coca Cola.

Competition manager Sam Koi confirmed the 21st edition of the country’s biggest and longest offeason rugby league competition is underway with 104 registered teams covering the mainland alone. This is testament to the incredible success the competition and the impact on community.

QRL 2024 Hostplus Cup draw unveiled

Round 1 of next year’s competition kicks off on the weekend of March 9-10, with 150 regular season matches to be played over six months before the start of the finals series in September.

All 15 clubs will play 20 games across 24 rounds in the fight to qualify for the top eight and ultimately the 2024 grand final at Redcliffe’s Kayo Stadium.

Andrew Abdo sets 2024 deadline for NRL expansion decision

"We want to keep growing," Abdo told News Corp. "By the end of 2024, we will know what it looks like for an 18th franchise and potentially beyond that."

Ever since the Dolphins were brought into the competition at the start of this year, focus has quickly switched to which new franchise will join them to even up the numbers in the NRL.

Lae kick starts 2023-2024 Ipatas Cup

The 2023-2024 challenge also marks NGCB’s inaugural sponsorship announced during last year’s Ipatas Cup grand final. 

So far a good start for the Lae leg of the challenge, according to tournament coordinator John Milba. 

Milba acknowledged Lae City for taking the lead in kicking off the 2023-2024 NGCB Ipatas Cup and the rest of the other designated venues to follow through in the coming days. 

Day 1 results for the Lae challenge saw Beyond Dogs thrash Ahi Warriors 42-0, and Morobe Pride defeated Blue Heelers 26-14 points in game two.

ENB trials mini-rugby league

NRL PNG led by National Program Coordinator Martin Ingirin Jnr launched the mini mod program at the Gelegele Resettlement Sports Oval in the Rabaul district recently.

The mini mod concept uses modified rugby league rules and targets kids in the ages of 7 to 12 years old. 120 kids in the age categories of 10, 8 and 6 year olds were present to trial out the program.

The NRL PNG led by National Program Coordinator Martin Ingirin Jnr said the mini mod encourages primary and elementary school kids to develop better conducts while using rugby league as the main drive.