The National Rugby League (NRL) 2025 Pacific Championships games continue this weekend with the two final games in the Pacific Bowl being played in Port Moresby between the PNG Orchids and Tonga XIII, and the PNG Kumuls and Fiji Bati. This marks the end of a very special 50th anniversary of Independence year for Papua New Guinea and the rugby league season.
Australia’s High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea and Special Envoy for the Pacific and Regional Affairs, His Excellency Ewen McDonald, alongside PNGRFL Representative Mr Tasman Samuel co-hosted a reception at the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby on Wednesday for the teams playing on Saturday.
Mr McDonald said, “rugby league here, as everyone knows, is an absolute religion. It’s fantastic to have you all here in PNG. Of course, the Pacific is very much on the move in rugby league – the contribution not only through the PNG Chiefs but the grassroots work that’s being done in Fiji, Tonga, in Samoa and other parts of the region in terms of developing the talent of men and women in rugby league is a great thing.”
“Good luck to everyone on the weekend.”
Next year, the Pacific Championships will be a flagship activity of the new Pacific Rugby League Partnership, showcasing our shared commitment to sport in PNG and the Pacific.
The Pacific Rugby League Partnership will expand player pathways and improve grassroots and community rugby league across the Pacific.
The Partnership builds on a long history of successful investments at the elite and community levels, including League Bilong Laif, the PNG Hunters, the establishment of the Santos Cup, and the PNG NRL Bid Academy.”
Congratulations to the Cook Islands who won the Women’s Pacific Bowl last weekend after defeating Tonga, and PNG the weekend before. The winner of the men’s game between PNG Kumuls and Fiji Bati on Saturday will determine the Men’s Pacific Bowl champions. Tonga XIII and PNG Orchids will battle it out this weekend for second and third place of the women’s Pacific Bowl.
Port Moresby residents are encouraged to be a part of the action as the Santos National Football Stadium comes alive again this Saturday 1st November for Pacific Championship Bowl week 3 with games starting at 10:55am first for the Melanesian Cup: Winners of PNG and Fiji’s domestic competitions, followed by Women’s Bowl: PNG Orchids v Tonga XIII at 12:55pm and Men’s Bowl: PNG Kumuls v Fiji Bati at 3:00pm.
ENDS
Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea and Special Envoy for the Pacific and Regional Affairs Mr Ewen McDonald (front row, centre), with the PNG Kumuls Team.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100