Enzu Northern Chiefs Eye NiuPower KMHL Sports Tok 7s Title

The NiuPower KMHL Sports Tok 7s Rugby Tournament regulars, Enzu Northern Chiefs, are setting their sights on claiming the ninth edition, slated from 3-5 April 2026, at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

Enzu Northern Chiefs, a team from New Ireland Province, is one of the Sports Tok 7s foundational clubs from the tournament's inception in 2018 to 2026.

The Chiefs have been competitive over the years, reaching the finals a couple of times. However, they have yet to win the tournament. 

Attending the event for the ninth time, the New Irelanders are more than hungry this time to stake their claim for the coveted title.

Club owner and head coach Jonathan Baul gave an update on the team’s preparations, explaining that the players are working hard to become serious contenders.

“The preparation has been good. The team bonding and training are going really well. We are working on a few things, which we believe need to be worked on,” he said.  

“From team preparations and the bonding we have during training on and off the field, the turnout has been good. 

“I'm positive that if we stick to what looks good at the moment, we will reach the finals. We have to get our mindset right and stick to the process.

“I believe the Spots Tok 7s went to another level, and we are really sticking with the basics to master it.”

Baul added: “Currently, we have four new players in the team who have been really good so far, and we are working with the individuals and the team to fine-tune our combination and structure.

The club owner emphasized that they are not only mentoring the players with rugby union skills but also instilling good sportsmanship and values in them. 

“The team Enzu Northern Chiefs is not about playing only rugby and trying to be a rugby player,” Mr. Baul stated. 

“We also train our guys to be independent individuals, and teach them to respect and become community role models back in our village in Zuen, Lihir.

“We are promoting what it takes to be a good rugby player on and off the field. Each year, the team is building with new young talents, and it shows that the club is slowly growing.”

He credited Sports Tok 7s for creating opportunities for raw, emerging talents to expose their skills over the last eight years, with some of the players being scouted by rugby league clubs. 

“The Sports Tok tournament has contributed to the team’s development, and also created exposure for the players,” Baul said.  

“We have a few guys now with the Agmark ENB Gurias, and it's a boost for the team. It’s about teamwork and what we do. Winning is a bonus of what we put in.

“It is always a pleasure to be part of the tournament to develop the boys, and also give them exposure. I can see the growth within the group.

“The type of development and exposure helps develop the guys with skills. Sports Tok 7s is one of the pathways our boys have been developing their skills.”

With almost two weeks remaining before the 2026 NiuPower KMHL Sports Tok 7s tournament kicks off on the Easter weekend, the Enzu Northern Chiefs are ramping up preparations and fine-tuning their combinations and team structure to leave their mark in the nation's capital.