FLY RIVER WARRIORS RETURN HOME AFTER SUCCESSFUL TRIAL MATCHES

CAPTION: Fly Warriors along Kiunga-Tabubil highway

BY KENNY ROMANUS

THE Fly River Warriors from Western Province have returned home after completing an intensive round of training sessions and trial matches in Port Moresby last weekend, where they faced the Moni Plus Port Moresby Vipers and the Central Dabaris.

Team coaches, management, officials, and several players departed Port Moresby on Saturday, March 21, 2026, with some traveling to Tabubil and others to Daru in Western Province.

Players Livai Yoka and Micky Isau expressed their appreciation to key sponsors, including the Fly River Provincial Government (FRPG), Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML), PNG Sustainable Development Program (SDP), Dokona Papua Construction (DPC), Millennium Construction Limited (MCL), and Lotic Bige Limited (LBL), for their support in making the team’s participation possible.

“I would like to thank the Governor of Western Province, Taboi Awi Yotto, for helping turn our rugby league dreams into reality and supporting us to reach this stage,” Yoka said.

Isau also acknowledged his teammates and encouraged those remaining in Port Moresby to stay committed to their rugby league goals.

“To the players staying behind in Port Moresby, take care and continue working hard towards your rugby league careers,” he said.

Yoka further extended his thanks to the PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRFL), including Mr. Tony Waliya, for organizing the trial matches.

The team also recognized Kiunga Rugby League President and Fly River Rugby League Director, Mr. Chris Mel, for his leadership in successfully staging the provincial competition in Daru and facilitating the players’ participation in trials against Digicel ExxonMobil franchise teams.

“We were well supported by our management. Thank you to Mr. Mel for his leadership,” Yoka added.

He said the experience gained during the trials would be shared with younger players in their respective communities.
Meanwhile, 10 players from the squad are expected to travel to Australia to further pursue their rugby league careers, while others will remain in Port Moresby to compete in the Port Moresby Rugby League competition.