NCD, Goroka set to face off in PNGRFL Academy National Championship Decider

The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) Academy hosted its 7/8 National Championship from 6-8 April 2026, at Port Moresby’s Sir John Guise Stadium and Goroka’s National Sports Institute.

After day 3, six academies bowed out of the championship race while NCD and Goroka punched their ticket to the grand final. The Eastern Highlands Academy and the Nation’s Capital Academy will lock horns and battle for supremacy on Sunday, 19 April 2026, in Lae.

The three-day championship brought eight academies across the country, comprising the NCD, Central, Gulf, NGI, Enga, Goroka, Lae, and Mount Hagen. A total of 120 players competed in Pool A and Pool B. 

Pool A featured NCD, Central, Gulf, and New Guinea Islands, while Pool B comprised Goroka, Lae, Enga, and Mt Hagen, showcasing the best talent of future PNG Chiefs and PNG Kumuls prospects.

Gulf and Enga academies made their debut in the 7/8 National Championship this year, while others were foundational academies when the program was established three years ago.  

Head of Elite Pathway and Coaching Manager Joe Grima expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the three-day championship, which began in 2024 and continues to gain momentum every year. 

“I’m very impressed with the level of rugby league talent we have and where we started three years ago and where we are now,” he said. 

“These young men have represented their regions and provinces with pride, especially with the inclusion of the new kids on the block, Gulf and Enga, so I’m really proud of them.”