Erave Rugby League Kicks Off Pre-season

The Erave Rugby League (ERL) commenced its 2026 preseason on Saturday, 7 March 2026, at Kamare Oval in Erave Station, Kagua-Erave District, Southern Highlands Province.

The participating teams dusted off the cobwebs over the weekend, with players going in game mode and working on their combinations to welcome the new season.

ERL Vice President Aaron Epawe confirmed that the preseason will run for a few weeks, with the proper season scheduled in May.

“Our preseason kicked off on Saturday, where we saw a good turnout. We will run approximately 6-7 weeks of preseason games before we head into the proper season on May 2nd,” he explained. 

The participating teams for this season are Kawaso Bulldogs (reigning premiers), Ambo Roosters, Puki Raiders, Gateway Titans, Waisa Rake, and MKS Broncos, featuring both Senior Men’s and Junior Division. 

Epawe stated that they had established the league to create opportunities for the raw talent to expose their skills and combat law-and-order issues in the community.

“We started this platform from scratch back in 2024, with the idea of identifying, building, and raising our youths in Erave LLG, as well as addressing law-and-order problems,” he said

“This year’s goal is to identify and develop more athletes, establish an office space, develop ways to unite Erave LLG, and participate in PNGRFL programs.

“To achieve this outcome, we need unity and team spirit.  Let us work together for the good of our community.” 

Mr. Epawe acknowledged the sponsors that have supported the league since 2024 and urged them to continue their support this year.

“With the help of our brother Emmanuel Eralia (ERL Director), a few business houses and sponsors like TNG Construction Ltd, Simon Pulupa (Santos), Peek Builders, PNG EncounterFirst, Jason and Joe Tirime, Palestine Andia, and Richard Andia, we managed to deliver two successful seasons,” he said. 

The vice president further thanked the ERL president and the executive team's leadership for administering the competition, despite going through challenges. 

“Under the leadership of my president, Daniel Mere, we have delivered two successful grand finals,” Epawe said. 

“For the past two years, we’ve faced many challenges, but with the help of our community leaders, they stood firm behind us to ensure the competition continues to run.”

Running in its third year, President Daniel Mere, Vice President Aaron Epawe, and their executive team look forward to delivering another successful and competitive ERL season 2026.