RUGBY LEAGUE PATHWAYS BOOSTED THROUGH FLY RIVER CUP 2026
BY KENNY ROMANUS
THE recent official launch of the Fly River Cup 2026 in Western province is a major event aiming to expose local talent to elite level opportunities, that is fully backed by the Western provincial Government as a major step toward developing sustainable rugby league pathways.
The provincial government hosted an official dinner and launched the Fly River Cup bringing together league players, team officials, and district and provincial leaders.
The event was led by Provincial Administrator Mr. Robert Alphonse Kaiyun and his administration.
He described it as a strategic initiative by the Provincial Government to unite the people of Western Province, adding that sport plays a vital role in youth engagement, discipline, leadership, and long-term development.
Mr. Kaiyun highlighted rugby league as a powerful platform to guide young people into positive pathways, while reinforcing values such as teamwork, respect, and responsibility.
Fly River Rugby League Cup Tournament Director, Mr. Chris Mel, said the tournament’s key objective is to provide exposure and scouting opportunities for Western Province players, also noting that players will be closely watched for selection into higher-level competitions, including the PNG Inter-City Games, also known as the ExxonMobil Digicel Cup.
The launch was attended by representatives from the PNG Rugby Football League, franchise coaches, and elite league officials, including Tony Waliya, Ian Iaro, John Ambane, and Godfrey Luke.
Mr. Mel noted that Western Province players have raw talent, physical strength, and strong character, and said hosting the tournament in Daru allows scouts to see players perform in their home environment.
Meantwhile, Western Province Governor Taboi Awi Yoto, who officially launched the tournament, reaffirmed the Provincial Government’s support for bringing PNGRFL officials and Digicel ExxonMobil franchise representatives to Daru to support talent identification and player development.
Addressing the players, Governor Yoto encouraged them to put God first, respect their parents and elders, and maintain discipline, clear goals, and self-belief.
He said strong decision-making and purpose are important not only in sport, but in life, and reiterated the province’s goal of seeing Western Province teams consistently compete in future PNGRFL Inter-City Games.
South Fly MP and Minister for Livestock, Sekie Agisa, also attended the launch and called for unity, urging the province to come together as one team to strengthen rugby league pathways and ensure continued national representation.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of customized tournament merchandise, supplied by MZ Tikindi Investment Limited with funding support from the Fly River Provincial Government.
Items presented included customized jerseys for all eight teams, shirts for officials and leaders, caps, and the official Fly River Cup 2026 trophy, which was formally presented to Governor Yoto and the tournament committee.
The tournament officially kicked off on Wednesday January 21, at the Daru Main Sports Oval.
Teams from all four districts of Western Province are now in Daru competing, including sides from North Fly, Middle Fly, Delta Fly, and South Fly districts.
As the Fly River Cup 2026 gets underway, attention turns to Daru, where talent meets opportunity and unity is built through rugby league.
