Former Socceroos Captain Named Guest Speaker for 34th SP Sports Awards

Former Olympian and Socceroos’ icon Paul Wade (OAM) has been named Guest Speaker for the 34th SP Sports Awards, to be held on Saturday, 30 May 2026, at the Crowne Hotel, Port Moresby.  

Wade is the seventh most-capped Socceroo and is widely regarded as one of the most influential captains in the history of Australian football. 

A driving force as a midfielder, Wade led the Australian national soccer team, the Socceroos, for six years from 1990 to 1996.

The SP Brewery Corporate Affairs Manager, John Nilkare, officially announced Wade as the Guest Speaker of the 34th SP Sports Awards.

“We are excited to welcome Paul Wade as our Guest Speaker at this year’s SP Sports Awards,” Nilkare said.

“Paul’s outstanding sporting career, leadership, and commitment to community development make him an exceptional choice.

“His presence will undoubtedly inspire our sporting community and add great value to the nation’s premier celebration of sporting excellence.” 

In addition to addressing the audience at the awards ceremony, Mr. Wade will conduct a coaching clinic in Port Moresby with the Port Moresby Soccer Association on Friday, 29 May. 

His insights and experience will inspire athletes and contribute to the continued growth and development of football in PNG.

The Socceroos legend’s career in Australia’s National Soccer League (NSL) spanned more than 300 appearances, including championship success with Brunswick Juventus and South Melbourne FC. 

At the international level, he represented Australia at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games and competed in two FIFA World Cup qualification campaigns in 1990 and 1994.

Wade’s other career highlights include:

• Represented Australia 118 times between 1986 and 1996, 84 full “A” internationals

• Two NSL Championships - 1985 with Brunswick Juventus and 1991 with South Melbourne FC

• NSL Cup winner with South Melbourne FC (1990)

• Named NSL Player of the Year in 1988

• Key contributor to South Melbourne FC’s 1993 Minor Premiership

In recognition of his contribution to football and the wider community, Wade was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 1995. His final international appearance came on 1 November 1996, when Australia defeated Tahiti in the OFC Nations Cup final in Canberra.

Since retiring from football, Mr. Wade has continued to make a significant impact as a motivational speaker, coaching educator, and mentor. His personal journey, including overcoming serious health challenges, has impacted thousands across Australia and the Pacific. 

His visit to PNG promises to deliver insights into leadership, perseverance, teamwork, and the transformative power of sport, values that lie at the heart of the SP Sports Awards, Papua New Guinea’s most prestigious celebration of sporting achievements.