PNG Muruks set sights on Champions Cup

The Papua New Guinea Muruks AFL team will travel to Hong Kong tomorrow (January 30th) to play against the HK Dragons AFL team in the Champions Cup slated for Saturday, January 31st, 2026, at Sai Kung T.S.K Sports Ground. 

After a disappointing notification from AFL Australia in 2025, two months before the team’s usual championships in November, a policy change was made, disallowing the Muruks’ participation in the championships. 

Despite that setback, the Muruks were crowned champions and qualified to compete in the newly created Champions Cup, raring to face the HK Dragons this weekend. 

The Boroko Motors-sponsored Muruks had already committed sponsorship monies into training and flights by working with PNGAFL and AFL Asia for the upcoming championship in the ‘Pearl of the Orient’. 

Hong Kong, the current champions from the November event, have bought into the idea and are eager to play for the cup, hoping to bring other countries to participate in the future.

Head coach Patrick Lloyd said more players were expected to travel, but due to funding constraints, the traveling contingent has been reduced.

“We have had overall 50 plus players attending training since 2024, but being a self-funded club, we rely heavily on sponsors," he explained.

"This limited the number of players to take part in the event. We can only have 18 players aside for this tournament.

“It was a difficult period reducing the team, as we could have taken a second team, as Hong Kong does have the numbers to field one, but funding doesn’t allow for it.”  

Coach Lloyd added: “I do believe there is a call for more events like this to give opportunities to all PNG players in the AFL community to travel and gain opportunities abroad.” 

He noted that their preparation was great, with the team focusing on their combinations and game plan for the upcoming championship.

“Our preparation for the tournament has been good. We have focused on a new game plan. The boys have taken on and adapted well," Lloyd stated.

"The group is fit and ready to go. Our goal is to lift the cup. I personally have full confidence in the group to bring the cup home and make PNG proud.

“We take every opportunity as our last and not to get ahead of ourselves, but the group's morale and ability have been positive, knowing that everyone stands as one representing PNG."

Coach Lloyd led the Muruks to their 2024 Asian AFL Championship victory. He has been instrumental in guiding the team to multiple championships.

PC: PNG Muruks Media