JT SUPER 9’s MARKS 10TH ANNIVERSARY
BY RAYLEEN WANJIMAN
THE Minister for Foreign Affairs and Member for Moresby South, Justin Tkatchenko has officially launched the 2026 JT Super Nines tournament, marking the 10th anniversary of the competition in Moresby South on Saturday 27th February 2026 afternoon at the Port Moresby South Stadium in the Nations Capital.
Marking a decade of rugby league in the electorate, the launch was celebrated with fireworks lighting up the night sky and excitement filling the stadium as families, supporters and players gathered to witness the milestone event.
In his address, Minister Tkatchenko described the ten-year journey as a significant achievement for both the sport and the Moresby South community.
More than 90 teams including women, Under-18 and senior divisions are competing in this year’s tournament which will run for two weeks starting next week Friday.
Minister Tkatchenko also emphasised that the competition is about youth development, community partnership and creating pathways for aspiring young rugby league players in the community.
He also revealed that talent scouts will be going around during the two-week tournament to closely monitor teams and identify promising players who could progress to higher levels of the game.
With Papua New Guinea Chiefs set to enter into the Australian National Rugby League competition in 2028, he said young players now have a clear pathway to professional rugby league in the future.
