Kikori Rugby League Set for Fifth Season

Kikori Rugby League (KRL) in Gulf Province has held its Management Seminar in preparation for the season 2026, which will be the fifth year of the competition. 

The KRL was registered with the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) in 2022, with the vision of transforming and enhancing rugby league in Kikori District. 

As the headquarters of the electorate, Kikori remains one of the role model districts in supporting sports in Gulf Province.   

A total of ten league presidents from the participating teams in the competition traveled to Port Moresby to attend the managers' seminar facilitated by PNGRFL.

Patron of Kikori Rugby League, Abraham Murepe, acknowledged the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League staff for facilitating the management seminar. 

He also acknowledged the ten representatives from Kikori Rugby League who have traveled for more than 10 hours to attend the seminar. 

“This Seminar will help our local league in Kikori and enhance the level of rugby league in the district,” Mr. Murepe said. 

“I would like to say thank you to PNGRFL for your time and effort to facilitate this workshop, to help stakeholders of Kikori Rugby League to understand the importance of rugby league.” 

Chairing the management seminar, Lucas Timeriki, appreciated the presence of Mr. Murepe and his continuous support.

“We are grateful to have our patron and sponsor, Mr. Abraham Murepe, here with us,” Mr. Timeriki said. 

“He has been continuously committed and dedicated to supporting Kikori Rugby League since 2022 until today.” 

He stated that due Murepe's support, Kikori Rugby League has seen some changes over the last four years, leading to the fifth season. 

In addition, as part of the development and pathway program, the Kikori Rugby League Will include school boys competition this year and onwards. 

Patron Murepe also made mention of the school boys competition’s inclusion, saying: “It’s good to have a school boys competition on board. They will be our future in the sporting arena. 

“I believe one of our kids in Kikori will one day make waves in the rugby league arena in the future.” 

Moreover, KRL has produced three raw talents for the Gulf Isou through the Isou Pathway and Development Program since the competition's establishment, aiming to develop more local talents in the future.

PC: Supplied