U19 National Youth Competition Kicks Off

The inaugural Under 19 National Youth Competition commenced its round 1 over the weekend at three separate venues: Port Moresby’s Santos National Football Stadium; Goroka’s National Sports Institute; and Rabaul’s Queen Elizabeth Park. 

This new youth competition will feature six teams representing their respective academies or feeder clubs - Central Dabaris, Port Moresby Vipers, Goroka Lahanis, Mt Hagen Eagles, Agmark Gurias, and Lae Snax Tigers - to compete for the bragging rights this year.

The youth competition is a direct result of the successful junior development programs led by Joe Grima, Head of PNG’s Elite Player Development Pathway. His efforts in identifying and nurturing young talent have helped create this structured pathway for aspiring rugby league stars.

This competition is designed to bridge the gap between the junior rugby league and the Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup, providing a clear pathway for emerging talents to the PNG Hunters, PNG Kumuls, and the NRL PNG team.

As 2028 approaches, which is the year PNG will have a team in the NRL competition, the six academies are ramping up their preparations. Through this youth competition, the cream of the crop will be selected or scouted to the newly established PNG franchise.

There are so many untapped talents that can be unleashed through the U19 National Youth competition. If the competition runs successfully in the next few years leading up to 2028, these emerging players will be ready to compete in the top-flight competition.  

The 2025 season has started with the male U19 competition first, with plans to introduce a female youth competition in the future. The competition will run for 7 weeks. 

Results from the opening round of the U19 National Youth Competition:

• Agmark Gurias smashed Port Moresby Vipers 24-12

• Goroka Lahanis thumped Lae Snax Tigers 22-8

• Mt Hagen Eagles edged Central Dabaris 13-12

PC: PNG NRL Bid Official