Australian High Commission & PNGRFL Co-host Reception for Pacific Bowl Championship Teams

The Australian High Commission and Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League co-hosted a reception for the four participating teams of the Pacific Bowl Championships on Wednesday (29th October 2025) at Australia’s High Commission Headquarters in Port Moresby. 

In attendance were the Australian High Commissioner, Fiji High Commissioner, PNGRFL representatives, and other distinguished guests - including the four teams - PNG Kumuls, Fiji Bati, PNG Orchids, and Tonga XIII. 

The Australian High Commissioner and Special Envoy for the Pacific & Regional Affairs, His Excellency Ewen McDonald, gave the opening remarks and touched on the relationship between the Pacific Island countries through the sport of rugby league. 

“Rugby league here, as everyone knows, is an absolute religion. It’s fantastic to have you all here in PNG,” Commissioner McDonald said.

“Of course, the Pacific is very much on the move in rugby league – the contribution not only through the PNG Chiefs but the grassroots work that’s being done in Fiji, Tonga, in Samoa, and other parts of the region - in terms of developing the talent of men and women in rugby league is a great thing.

“Good luck to everyone on the weekend.”

Representing the PNGRFL and CEO Stanley Hondina, Commercial Manager Tasman Samuel highlighted the importance of rugby league in PNG, including the greater Pacific, emphasizing what the game means to the people. 

“On behalf of the PNGRFL, welcome to all the teams this afternoon. A special welcome to our visitors, the Fiji Bati and Tonga women’s XIII,” Mr. Samuel stated.  

“This championship continues to not only showcase our talent, but more importantly, it displays our unique cultures to the global audience.

“PNG is made up of over a thousand tribes and 880 languages, which makes up for 16 percent of the world’s languages. And in such a diverse country, three things that unite us are religion, politics, and rugby league.

“Rugby league here is more than just a sport. It’s a nation builder. We are the only sport that covers all 22 provinces in our country, so this is our national sport, and indeed a platform where everyone can relate to and utilize it in positive ways.”

The respective coaches for the four teams expressed their appreciation to the Australian High Commission and PNGRFL for co-hosting the reception, and they all look forward to battling each other on the weekend. 

Next year, the Pacific Championships will be a flagship activity of the new Pacific Rugby League Partnership, showcasing Australia's commitment to sport in PNG and the Pacific. The partnership will expand player pathways and improve grassroots and community rugby league across the Pacific region.

The partnership builds on a long history of successful investments at the elite and community levels, including the League Bilong Laif, the PNG Hunters, the establishment of the Santos Cup, and the PNG NRL Bid Academy.

Furthermore, the National Rugby League (NRL) 2025 Pacific Championships games continue this weekend with the two final games in the Pacific Bowl being played in Port Moresby between the PNG Orchids and Tonga XIII, and the PNG Kumuls and Fiji Bati. This marks the end of a very special 50th Independence Anniversary year for PNG and the rugby league season.

The Cook Islands Moana recorded two wins against Tonga XIII and PNG Orchids to secure the Women’s Bowl title. The winner of the game between PNG Kumuls and Fiji Bati will determine the Men’s Pacific Bowl champions, while Tonga XIII and PNG Orchids will battle it out for second and third place in the Women’s Pacific Bowl.

Kicking off the triple-header rugby league fiesta, the Lae Snax Tigers and Vusu Raiders will lock horns for the Melanesian Club Championship supremacy at 11 am, followed by the Women’s Bowl match between the PNG Orchids and Tonga XIII at 1 pm, and the PNG Kumuls versus Fiji Bati will fight for the bowl championship glory at 3 pm to wrap up the series.

The Port Moresby residents have been urged to turn up in droves at the Santos National Football Stadium on Saturday (1st November) to support the participating teams, especially the home side, and finish the campaign on a high note.