BINATANGOR GOROKA LAHANIS NAME 25-WOMEN SQUAD FOR SANTOS CUP

CAPTION: The Goroka Bintangor Lahanis Woman’s team during the Grand Final match last year against the Gas Resource Central Dabaris Woman’s team in Port Moresby. Picture Courtesy of the Goroka Bintangor Lahanis official Facebook page.

BY VICKY BAUNKE, in Goroka

THE Bintangor Goroka Lahanis have officially unveiled their 25-player senior women’s squad for the 2026 PNG National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) Santos Cup as preparations intensify for the season opener next month.

The squad, announced on Sunday, features a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent selected to represent the Eastern Highlands franchise in the country’s premier women’s rugby league competition.

Named in the squad are Skalyn Sil, Sasha Minne, Kimberley Harry, Christolite Diunde, Ukeray Sabumei, Regina Takai, Deloidy Walter, Jenny Wesley, Hadassah Galgma, Delilah Ahose, Gail Mandove, Lina Umba, Meriso Jomino, Rhema Galgma, Ruth Paul, Jafita Ropra, Nathalie Kuman, Roselyn Soso, Hellen Joseph, Elizabeth Gende, Khristy Sogavo, Pezely Jeffery, Michelle Jeffery, Serodge Sabumei and Susie Samuel.

The 2026 Santos Cup marks the third season of the national women’s competition and will feature six teams competing over eight rounds of regular season matches before a two-week finals series.

Round One begins on July 11 and 12, with the Goroka Lahanis set to renew their fierce rivalry against defending premiers Gas Resources Central Dabaris in a grand final rematch. Other participating teams include the Lae Snax Tigers, Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles, ENB Agmark Gurias and Moni Plus NCDC Pom Vipers.

Matches this season will be played across Port Moresby, Lae, Goroka, Minj and Rabaul, reflecting the continued expansion of women’s rugby league throughout Papua New Guinea.

Having reached last year’s grand final, the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis will be determined to go one step further this season as they aim to lift the prestigious Santos Cup trophy. The team will now focus on final preparations ahead of what is expected to be another highly competitive campaign.