ERL, SPRL Hold Historic Joint Season Launch Ceremony

The Erave Rugby League (ERL) and Samberigi-Polopa Rugby League (SPRL) held their first-ever joint official launching ceremony for the two competitions on Saturday, 25 April 2026, at Pawale’s Osi Oval in the Kagua-Erave District of Southern Highlands Province. 

The historic event attracted an unexpected turnout, with supporters traveling from different parts of the country to witness this milestone occasion. The attendance reflected the growing passion for rugby league, uniting the people of Erave, Samberigi, and the Polopa region.

The opening curtain-raiser featured the ERL pre-season champions, the Waisa Rake Rabbitohs, taking on the SPRL pre-season champions, the SBK Storms. It was a tough and entertaining 80-minute contest, with SBK Storms claiming a hard-fought 2–0 victory.

The main event was the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, witnessed by a large crowd. The ribbon was cut by Mr. Thomas Undupie, former PNG Kumuls representative and Southern Highlands Province Eastern End Club Coordinator, officially signifying the launch of the 2026 season for both leagues. 

Following the ceremony, fans were treated to an exciting All-Stars clash between the Erave Kokomos and Black Sambo. Young talents from both sides displayed exceptional skill and determination, with the Kokomos emerging victorious with a 6–4 win, while fullback Mano Kaipu was named Man-of-the-Match.

The event was graced by various sponsors, including players, coaching staff, and their management, technical officials, leaders, supporters, and the wider Erave and Samberigi communities. 

“Erave Rugby League is pleased to be part of the event and looks forward to hosting it here at Kamare for next year's Unity Cup Game,” ERL Vice President Aaron Epawe said.

“The program, which captured unity and togetherness in Erave and Samberigi, highlighted awareness involved in issues affecting our community, like Marijuana, homebrew, unwanted pregnancy, etc.

“Thank you, Erave Rugby League and Samberigi-Polopa Rugby League, for working together to host this historic event.”

The following people gave their contributions and made commitments to the two leagues: 

• Topa Mata presented K5,000.00 each to ERL and SPRL;

• The Petroleum Resource Gobe (PRG) under the leadership of Chairman Mathew Sisimolu gave K2,000.00 each with full sets of jerseys;

• Peek Builders Ltd gave K5,000.00 each;

• Niugini Aviation CEO Ruth Siwinu Undi pledged K5,000.00;

• Anderson Lepo pledged K5000.00;

• Thomas Undupie gave K1,000.00 each; and

• David Kenneth gave K1,000.00 contribution towards the launch program.  

David Kenneth, one of the event's sponsors, acknowledged the major sponsors of the launch program, taking the honors to make all the presentations in the evening.  

Mr. Epawe, on behalf of ERL and SPRL, including the launch organizing committee, expressed his appreciation for the following people whose contributions made this event successful. 

• Joe Labe Tirime (major sponsor) 

• Topa Mata

• Mathew Sisimolu

• Ezekiel Kipe

• David Kenneth

• Emmanuel Eralia Jnr

• Ruth Siwinu Undi

• Mata Topa Jnr

• Thomas Undupie

• Anderson Lepo

• Benny Noel

• Soma Malire

• Nathan Bobola 

• Austin Andia

• Miller Hapueke

• Joe Yaneke

He also thanked Erave, Marorogo, Samberigi, Polopa, Pawale village community leaders, Waisa Rake Rabbitohs RLC, SBK Storms RLC, Erave Kokomos, Black Sambo, the ERL, and SPRL executives for a job well done.