Gerehu Natives win Rhinos 10s Sydney Wesley Cup

The Gerehu Natives emerged with a hard-fought 3-0 penalty victory over the Newtown Chiefs in a heart-stopping decider to claim the 2025 Rhinos 10s Sydney Wesley Cup on Sunday, 28th December, at Bava Park in Port Moresby.

The two teams boasted experienced campaigners and emerging stars, which saw the match live up to its billing, leaving the fans on the edge of their seats and extending the thrilling finale to a dramatic extra-time grandstand finish. 

Both sides displayed grit, determination, and tenacity in the 20-minute contest, asking questions and pushing each other to their limit. Despite a few try-scoring opportunities being created, neither team could cross over the try line, locking the score at nil-all at the interval. 

The intensity and physicality of the match reached its peak in the second half as the two desperate sides executed their set pieces to break the deadlock. However, no team managed to score a try in the regulation time, forcing the game to extra time.

As the match headed to extra time, the Gerehu Natives were given a penalty inside the Chiefs’ 10-meter line, and the eventual champions opted for a 3-point penalty goal to ice the blockbusting decider and walked away with the coveted trophy. 

An overwhelmed Gerehu Natives’ coach, Paul Gule, said: “I can’t express how I feel right now. It was a very tough and nervous game that made our hearts beat faster. The boys played with all their hearts and got the job done. I’m really proud of them.”

Coach Gule praised the players and acknowledged their efforts throughout the two-day tournament. He also thanked Michael Bejigi and his wife for backing the team, and extended his appreciation to the fans for their steadfast support, dedicating the win to the Gerehu community.

Despite being their first time participating in the Rhinos 10s Sydney Wesley Cup, the Natives had an impressive outing, remaining undefeated in the pool games and marching to the grand final to claim their maiden title, including a K20,000 cash prize, with an unblemished record. 

The Gerehu Natives have been strong contenders in the 7s tournaments. They won the Rookie 7s in 2023, which was their first title. They were also the runners-up for the Sports Tok 7s twice (2023-2024) and Gerehu Firelight 7s last year, cementing their status as a force to be reckoned with in the 7s and 10s arenas, respectively. 

Meanwhile, the Rhinos 10s is a growing annual tournament in Port Moresby, started by the Rhinos Rugby Union Club in 2024 to honor the late Sydney Wesley, who passed away this year. He was a former Pukpuks’ coach, mentoring many rugby union players not just in the nation’s capital but across the country. 

It began in 2020 as an off-season tournament, specifically focusing on the forwards to provide balance that blends skills, speed, and physicality, helping players enjoy the game and showcasing sportsmanship and maintaining brotherhood.

The 10s format was chosen to offer a balanced and free-flowing game compared to the fast-paced 7s tourney, allowing both forwards and backs to shine and keep the players engaged.

The first Sydney Wesley Cup was hosted last year at Bava Park, featuring 16 teams, and the Barbarians were crowned champions. The number increased to 20 teams this year, doubling from the previous year and showing strong community interest.

The Rhinos 10s tournament continues to gain traction, symbolizing the late Sydney Wesley's vision of an inclusive rugby environment and making it a significant annual fixture in PNG's rugby union calendar.