The official launch of the 2026 Santos Cup marked a major milestone for women’s rugby league in Papua New Guinea today, as officials, partners, and team captains gathered to usher in the competition’s third season.
Since its inaugural season in 2024, the premier domestic women’s competition has evolved into a vital platform for athlete development, empowerment, and elite pathways.
The 2026 season will feature six franchise teams competing across eight regular rounds, followed by an intense finals series. The launch follows the successful completion of a mandatory five-week pre-season training block.
A core theme of this year’s launch is the rapid professionalisation of the women’s game. PNG NRL Competition Chairman Adrian Chow highlighted how the competition is structurally transforming the sport from the ground up.
Six Team Captains
For the third consecutive year, all players are secured on part-time contracts, providing crucial financial stability. Furthermore, women now make up 50% of the coaching staff across the league.
Last year’s milestone grand final featured two female head coaches, Cathy Niap for the Central Dabaris and Rutha Omenafa for the Bintango Goroka Lahanis .
All six franchise managers in the 2026 competition are women, alongside an increasing number of females filling critical medical and high-performance roles.
“We are building not just a competition; we are transforming our national sport into a truly inclusive platform for excellence,” Chow stated. “Our vision is simple: better people, better sport, and a better nation.”
With the 2026 Rugby League World Cup on the horizon, this season serves as a critical elite environment for national squad selection.
PNG NRL Competition Chairman Adrian Chow
The Santos Cup bridges the gap between grassroots rugby league and international exposure. The domestic pipeline has already proven highly effective, with 18 junior Orchids rising through the system and players like Ruth Genda successfully transitioning from the academy into the senior national squad.
The long-term objective remains establishing a permanent PNG women’s team in Australian state or national competitions.
The tournament continues to draw significant support from international and corporate stakeholders. Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea His Excellency Mr. Andrian Lochrin praised the competition’s growth, noting that it coincides with a golden age of rugby league in PNG, which includes the upcoming entry of the PNG Chiefs into the NRL in 2028.
Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea His Excellency Mr. Andrian Lochrin
The Australian Government continues its substantial backing of the women’s game through the PacificAus Sports initiative alongside the Queensland Rugby League and PNGRFL.
Leon Buskins, Country Representative for naming-rights sponsor Santos, reaffirmed the global energy company’s long-term commitment to the nation.
Buskins detailed that Santos has invested K3 million directly into the Santos Cup, with total kits and tournament support nearing K6 million.
Leon Buskins, Country Representative for naming-rights sponsor Santos
Additionally, Santos has provided K1.5 million annually to stadium management since 2016, pushing their total direct investment past K20 million.
“You are pioneers; you are game changers,” Buskins told the team captains in attendance. “That 5-year-old or 10-year-old girl now, you will inspire them. Your stories are so important.”
Other key partners acknowledged at the launch included Kumul Mineral Holdings Limited, broadcasting partner Digicel, and the dedicated stadium facility management teams.
