KANDES RL CLUB WELCOMES PNGNRLC APPROVAL AND INCLUSION INTO 2026 SEASON

THE Kandes Rugby League Club (KRLC) proudly acknowledges and thanks the Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) for officially confirming their inclusion as one of the twelve participating franchises for the 2026 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup season.

This milestone represents over 24 months of consistent dialogue, planning, and compliance efforts between Kandes RLFC and PNGNRLC.

We extend our sincere appreciation to PNGNRLC Chairman Mr. Adrian Chow, PNGRFL CEO Mr.
Stanley Hondina, General Manager Mr. Tony Archer, and the entire board and management team for their professional engagement and support throughout this process.

Our Base and Vision for Madang

After extensive assessment and consultation, the Kandes Rugby League Club has chosen to be based in Madang Province, utilizing the Madang Rugby League Oval as our home ground.

The decision was guided by both strategic and developmental considerations — primarily, the availability and readiness of the Madang field, and our desire to tap into the vast pool of raw and untapped rugby league talent in the province.

While Lae remains an important regional centre for us, establishing a full-time base there would not have been sustainable as two franchises are already permanently based in Lae.
Therefore, our Madang base presents an exciting opportunity to expand rugby league’s reach, strengthen the game in an underrepresented region, and provide a genuine pathway for young players from Madang and surrounding areas.

Leadership and Technical Direction

In preparation for our debut season, former PNG Hunters and PNG Kumuls Head Coach, Mr. Stanley Tepend, has been appointed as Head of Football for the Kandes Rugby League Club.

Mr. Tepend brings a wealth of coaching experience, leadership, and success at both the national and international levels. He will be responsible for establishing and leading a strong technical and coaching team, setting up our high-performance program, and ensuring the Kandes squad is built on discipline, professionalism, and excellence.

Chairman Tim Rodgers said: “We are honoured to have Stanley Tepend join us as Head of Football. His experience and leadership will be instrumental in building a competitive and disciplined team culture. This marks the start of something truly special for Madang, Morobe, and the wider PNG rugby
league family.”

Commitment to Development

The Kandes Rugby League Club will now focus on developing its catchment area and player pathways within Madang, while maintaining our strong footprint and community engagement programs throughout rural Morobe Province — where the Kandes legacy began.

Chairman Tim Rodgers reaffirmed the club’s long-term vision: “This achievement belongs to every supporter, partner, and young player who believed in the Kandes.
We thank PNGNRLC for the confidence they have shown in our club. Our commitment is to build a competitive, community-driven team that represents both Madang and rural Morobe with pride, discipline, and professionalism.”

Looking Ahead

The inclusion of Kandes RLFC into the 2026 season marks the beginning of a new chapter — one that will focus on unity, youth development, and regional empowerment through sport.

Stay tuned for more updates on our official Facebook page, where we will soon announce details of the upcoming Kande 9s Tournament in Madang — our main player selection platform for the inaugural Kandes squad.

We look forward to working closely with PNGNRLC, our provincial authorities, sponsors, and supporters to make the Kandes name a proud symbol of excellence both on and off the
field.