Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. 13,393 likes · 137 talking about this. The Official Facebook page for the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League.
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9th November 2024
PRESS RELEASE
PNGRFL MOURNS THE LOSS OF ONE OF ITS GREATEST SUPPORTERS – VALE GRAHAM LESLIE OSBORNE, OL
The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) mourns the loss of its current serving independent Director and long-time servant of the game and sports in the country, Graham Leslie Osborne, OL.
Mr. Osborne, aged 77, passed away in Brisbane, after a long illness, on Friday 8th November 2024, surrounded by family and loved ones.
“We have lost a great servant and passionate advocate of our game and I cannot begin to highlight the immense contributions he has made to our sport to bring it to where it is now. Mr Osborne has served the game since 2014 and has been one of the most active and influential members of the PNGRFL Board. His heart was always to serve the game for the better. He was a great friend and mentor to many of us and we will miss his counsel and guidance,” Board Chairman of PNGRFL, Sandis Tsaka, shared.
Osborne was born in New Zealand and moved to Papua New Guinea in 1995 and has been involved in many industries in various roles during his many years in PNG. Mr. Osborne is affectionately known for his commitment and services to the PNG Sports Foundation, Rugby Union, the PNGRFL and particularly the SP PNG Hunters for several years.
“Mr Osborne continued to open up opportunities for our game and one of his milestones, was seeing the SP PNG Hunters successfully enter into the then Queensland Rugby League's (QRL) Intrust Super Cup and to lead the team as the Chairman of the club when they won their first ever premiership in 2017,” said PNGRFL CEO, Stanley Hondina.
Hondina added, “The rugby league family is at a loss with his passing and I know that there are many who will be reminiscing on the work, services and kindness that he showed towards everyone in the game.”
Tsaka said in expressing his condolences, “On behalf of the PNGRFL Board, Management, staff, players, officials, partners and the entire rugby league family across the country, our hearts and prayers are with the family of our late colleague during this time of grief. He was a father figure to many of us and we share in the grief of those who were close to him and the many lives that he had positively impacted within our sport and in his many other passions. His impact on our game will not be forgotten and we are indebted to his services and love for our country and its people. In recognisance of his services to the game, the PNG LNG Kumuls and the Santos PNG Orchids will honour Director Osborne by wearing black arm bands on Sunday.”
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