2 more Academies created bringing number to 8.
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07 July 2025
PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT: GULF & ENGA PROVINCES TO JOIN THE PNG NRL BID ACADEMY PROGRAM!
The PNG NRL Bid Academy is proud to announce the official inclusion of Gulf Province and Enga Province into our fast-growing school-based development program — joining the six current provinces already part of the system.
With this expansion, the Academy’s reach will now extend beyond 900 students, providing more exposure, opportunity, and life-changing support for young rugby league talent and communities across Papua New Guinea.
Enga Province enters the program on the back of a historic victory in the 2023 Digicel Cup, with the Enga Mioks crowned champions after a dominant campaign. Enga’s rugby league roots run deep — driven by the long-time support of Governor Sir Peter Ipatas, whose Ipatas Cup has played a vital role in unearthing raw talent from rural communities across the Highlands. The province has also produced icons such as Kumul forward Willie Minoga, whose unforgettable try sealed the PNG Hunters' 2017 Queensland Cup title.
Gulf Province, home of the Gulf Isou, brings to the Academy a growing rugby league identity, strengthened by community support and leadership. While the province proudly counts current Kumul and Queensland Origin star Xavier Coates among those with Gulf heritage, the Academy program now sets the foundation to develop the next generation of homegrown stars — right from the classroom.
The Gulf program will launch with 6 primary schools and 2 secondary schools involved, as part of a long-term vision to build sustainable development systems at all levels.
Carolyn Mom, CEO of Gulf Isou, shared:
“Our vision at the club is to build our own Isou Player.
We are very excited about the inclusion of the academy program into our province. This will add further value to our vision of creating a pathway eco system into the franchise. Boosting our current programs by providing that school level layer to our pathway system.
Our kids now have the same opportunity as other DEM franchise provinces. This program not only gives opportunities to our kids but will train technical staff in the province to implement the programs. Building capacity within the province which is essential to achieving our vision and all Rugby League stakeholders in the province.”
Joey Grima, High Performance Manager for the PNG NRL Bid, expressed his excitement about the program’s expansion:
“When I visited both Gulf and Enga, I was genuinely impressed with the passion, talent, and hunger for development in the schools and communities.
I’m excited that these two provinces will join our Academy program when it kicks off in November. This will be an avenue of real change in the lives of the children and their families — not just in rugby league, but in life.”
As highlighted in an Post-Courier feature earlier this year, the Academy has shown promising growth in 2025, developing both young players and local technical staff across participating provinces.
The inclusion of Gulf and Enga represents more than just growth — it’s a reflection of the unity, progress, and vision driving the future of rugby league in PNG.
Welcome aboard, Gulf and Enga. Together, we’re building a better game, and a brighter future.
