Rugby Leauge

Pool A; running first is Marshall Bugs with 6 points and running second is Bese Eels on 4 points.

In Pool B; Buria Reds leads on 6 points and GGK trailing on second with 4 points. Pool C, Koiari Gogeas 1 with 6 points and Minaru Storms with 3 points.

In Pool D, Zivago with 6 points and running on second spot is 24 Miles with 4 points. For Pool E; the MB Knights are leading with 6 points and in second place is Tubusereia Sharks on 4 points.

Graham's poise was crucial during a tight first half as the Sharks gradually took control while former Panther Puru had plenty of nice touches in the 12-point victory.

The Sharks opened the scoring in the fourth minute when Thomas Rodwell finished off some slick ball movement to score in the left hand corner. Niwhai Puru's conversion made it 6-0.

Former Bronco Tyson Gamble hit back for the Knights four minutes later courtesy of a nice offload from back-rower Lachlan Fitzgibbon.

He will try out combinations and game awareness, and how the boys can stay focused under fatigue and pressure.

That’s the strategy to get the team mentally and physically ready before they play Capras.

After nine grueling weeks of preseason training, Tepend is impressed and excited with the prospects that the current squad can bring to the table this season.

The new measures are in line with the PNGRFL Strategic Plan 2019-2029 approved by the 6th PNGRFL Annual General Meeting in Lae in February 2019 and Governance Reforms approved by the 7 th PNGRFL Annual General Meeting in Port Moresby in June 2020.

The new model has been named the “New Ireland” model that contains requirements for affiliation for Member Associations and the establishment of new respective provincial rugby league boards.
Expressions of Interest (EoI) from interested leagues wishing to affiliate with the PNGRFL will open Friday 3rd of February 2023.

Since Coach Stanley Tepend took over the reign from Matt Church he’s now diversified the team’s training program to include capacity building for the Hunters the training staff to enhance their work as well.

While the primary focus is on players’ developments and creating pathways for emerging homegrown PNG players at the NRL second tier elite level.

Coach Tepend believes upskilling local trainers and support staff with the latest training technics and knowledge to keep up with the rest of the world is vital.

In 2023, the Bulldogs will put a rugby league spin on a well-worn rhyme that signifies the simultaneous hope for continuity and a fresh beginning, eager to be part of the finals festivities after six years on the outside looking in.

After a grand final appearance in 2014 and two more trips to the play-offs in 2015-16, Canterbury have finished no better than 11th in the ensuing six campaigns, even suffering the ignominy of a wooden spoon in 2021 in Trent Barrett’s first year at the helm.

Acting Provincial Administrator, Leo Mapmani presented the K200,000 cheque to the Cutters management team.

For the past five years, the Kimbe Cutters have received support from its naming rights sponsor, the West New Britain Provincial Government through Governor Sasindran Muthuvel including the former Talasea District Development Authority.

Round 1 of both competitions, Hostplus Cup and BMD Premiership is locked in for March 11.

The Western Clydesdales are building strong momentum heading into their first season in the Hostplus Cup as a new entity.

The Clydesdales launched their 2023 campaign with a home clash against the Papua New Guinea Hunters at Clive Berghofer Stadium.

In the BMD Premiership, the Cutters are drawn to play the Wynnum Manly Seagulls and the Devils go up against perennial powerhouse the Burleigh Bears in the opening weekend of fixtures.

The 9s challenge slated for 18 to 24^th December has showcased fast paced rugby league skills from local teams, Rovanama, Siporo Magpies, EA Brothers, Viriolo Sharks, Pelagai Geku Vanua, Ariku Nauna, Bese Amapenaio, Gera Gaivakala and Lako Development.

In this morning match results, Pelagai Geku Vanua 13 and Koita Cowboys 13, Porebada Black Laumas 19 beat Vula’a Parela 13 (Pool M), Paga Ralema 19 and Gera Gaivakala 13, HB Brothers 15 - Keai KA RLC  8 (Pool L).

Tournament director, Ivan Ravu said only the top 32 teams will qualify for the playoffs.
He said the top 16 vie for the cup and plate, while the bottom 16 play for the bowl and pennant.

With this format, Ravu said the matches would then progress to the eliminations, preliminary and grand finals in the four categories. The winners of the Cup walk away with K15,000.