PNGRFL Announces National Youth Competition (U18) for 2025
PNGRFL CEO Stanley Hondina and PNG NRL CEO Andrew Hill have officially announced the launch of the National Youth Competition (Under-18) in 2025—one year earlier than originally planned!
This competition is a direct result of the successful junior development programs led by Joe Grima, Head of PNG’s Elite Player Development Pathway. His efforts in identifying and nurturing young talent have helped create this structured pathway for aspiring rugby league stars.
The 2025 season will start with the male U18 competition first, with plans to introduce a female youth competition in the future.
The six teams set to compete in the inaugural season are:
-Central Dabaris
-East New Britain Gurias
-Goroka Lahanis
-Lae Tigers
-Mt. Hagen Eagles
-Port Moresby Vipers
This competition is designed to bridge the gap between the junior rugby league and the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup, providing a clear pathway to the PNG Hunters, PNG Kumuls and the NRL PNG team.
The competition will run for 7 weeks beginning in May 2025.