PNGRFL FOCUS ON FEMALE YOUTH PROGRAMS

The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) has embarked on carrying out programs
to enhance and drive participation within youth rugby league with a focus on girls and women, through
its BETTER Rugby League Development Program (BETTER RLDP).

The program BETTER RLDP aims to create a supportive and empowering environment for female
athletes to learn and excel in rugby league, an eight (8) week program based on fundamental football
skills and wellbeing education.

The targeted age group is between 17 – 22 years old, with encouragement to young girls from all
sports and those keen on trying out for rugby league.
The key phases of the program are the Talent Identification (Combine), Skill Development Program
and the Athlete Wellbeing Program.

The PNGRFL as it finalizes the way forward in women’s rugby league, recognizes the evident key
areas in terms of participation, gender specific coaching and closing the gap in terms of our athlete
preparation and growth, seeing a growing concentration on building young and creating spaces and
opportunities for females to participate safely and with the right teaching.

PNGRFL’s General Manager for Pathways and Performance, Tony Archer, spoke of the program
being an opportunity to also bridge the gap for better athletes, between local leagues and the Santos
Cup (National Women’s Competition):

“We know there are young ladies out there who want to play rugby league who are looking for an
opportunity to get involved in the game. This program is one of those opportunities to identify talented
girls and work with them, not just in terms of their football skill but with wellbeing education too.”