PNGRFL, DIGICEL CUP COACHES ARRIVE IN DARU TO SCOUT FLY RIVER CUP TALENTS

BY KENNY ROMANUS, in Western Province

OFFICIALS from the PNG Rugby Football League and Digicel Exxon Mobil Cup franchise coaches have arrived in Daru, Western Province, to scout talent at the Fly River Cup Tournament.

The four-day tournament will kickstart on Wednesday this week, 21st, to January 24 at the Daru Main Sports Oval.

Eight teams will compete, with two teams representing each of the province’s four districts.

The tournament is expected to showcase raw rugby league talent from across Western Province and provides a rare opportunity for young players to be seen by national selectors.

For the first time, Digicel Exxon Mobil Cup franchise coaches will be observing players directly, opening pathways to elite-level rugby league.

Coaches and representatives from the Port Moresby Vipers, Gulf Isapeas, Hela Wigmen and Central Dabaris are on the ground and will monitor players throughout the tournament for possible selection in the 2026 Digicel Cup season.

Speaking at a press conference in Daru, PNGRFL Southern Confederation Community Rugby League Participation Officer Tony Waliya said his role is to help identify and develop rugby league in Western Province and support local leagues to affiliate with the PNGRFL.

He said only the Kiunga and Daru Rugby Football Leagues were registered in 2025, with Kiunga set to receive its league kit during the tournament launch.

Mr Waliya clarified that PNGRFL is not organizing the Fly River Cup but was invited by Western Province Governor Taboi Awi Yoto to attend for talent identification purposes.

Preparations at the Daru Main Sports Oval are ongoing, with line marking scheduled for today. The official tournament launch will take place tomorrow, ahead of kickoff on Wednesday.