Uncovering the next Rugby star in Papa New Guinea [Special Report]

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea - Sports enthusiasts in Moresby South have reason to celebrate with the launch of the Moresby South Rugby Football League Sports Magazine.

Curated by seasoned sports journalist John Fred and powered by Lagu Media Agency, this dynamic publication promises to deliver in-depth coverage of local sports action, showcasing the vibrant sports culture of Moresby South.

The magazine's primary focus is on highlighting emerging rugby league talents in the region, providing a platform for athletes to gain recognition and propel their careers.

1. From Talai Spartans to Casino RMS Cougars RFLC

Central Province's Joshua Tala, 24, is making a name for himself in Australian rugby league, impressing with his skills on the field.

Tala, from Goilala, currently plays for Casino RMS Cougars Rugby Football League Club in the Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League.

The man from Goilala was the awards recipient for the Encouragement Awards during the Casino RMS Cougars awards night. Receiving the encouragement awards motivate boost Tala to aim high for his rugby league journey.

Joshua is a Utility forward who can play anywhere in backline position as well, from center to Winger.

Joshua, a talented rugby league player from Talai-Gorobe, Moresby South, has taken his passion to the next level in Australia. While working as a seasonal worker in Aussie, Joshua joined the Casino RMS Cougars through his company.

A seasoned player since age 10, Joshua's impressive resume includes:

- St Therese Primary School (U12-U18)
- Wasa League (unofficial rugby league games for kids)
- Talai Spartans Rugby League Club (Moresby South Rugby Football League)
- Southern Blacks (Moresby South Rugby League selection side)
- Goilala Karukas (Central Premier League)

With two "Man of the Match" awards, Joshua has proven his worth in the Casino RMS Cougars RFLC, playing second rover throughout the season.

His ultimate goal is to compete in the Interest Super Cup.

Moreover , Joshua wants to set a benchmark for Goilala kids in Port Moresby City and Villages in rugby league arena.

“ I came from a Village and district where many of us, especially young man where overlook by people because of where we came from. In Port Moresby, when people from other provinces and places heard that this man is from Goilala, the first thought that came up from their mind is thief, or person with attitude problem ,” he said. 

I will give me best and try my best to secure a spot with one of the clubs participating in Queensland Cup,” he further stated.

Joshua also have opportunity to train alongside former Hunter Gairo Kapana who is also with the Casino RMS Cougars.

Profiles of other Players

Former SP Hunters and PM's 13 representative Stanley Olo has announced his retirement from professional rugby league to launch the SO Academy, a rugby league development program for young players in his community.

Olo, a household name in the Digicel Cup competition, boasts an illustrious career spanning nearly a decade. Renowned for his lightning-fast ball rucking, Olo is widely regarded as one of the best hookers in the Digicel Cup.

The Simbu native began his rugby league journey with the 2 City Rabbitohs before rising through the ranks to the Digicel Cup. Olo played for five teams, including Mendi Muruks, Rabaul Gurias, Hela Wigmen, Snax Tigers, and Enga Mioks, featuring in three Digicel Cup grand finals. His tenure with Snax Tigers yielded a premiership victory.

Olo's Vision for SO Academy

“SO Academy was planned five years ago. However, due to other reason we did not manage to run program, so it was just established last year. Our motive is to promote and develop young rugby league talents in the community and suburbs by providing opportunities for players to grow and excel in sports”. Olo said. Olo also added, SO Academy is a newly established pathway for player – agent, so it is developing," he stated.

The academy aims to:

- Identify and nurture young rugby league talent
- Provide expert coaching and mentorship
- Foster a culture of discipline and hard work
- Create pathways for players to compete at higher levels

( Kids from Stanley Olo Academy Program with official from PNG NRL BID)

Stanley Olo is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of rugby league stars. During school holidays, Olo conducts coaching clinics for children under 12, instilling fundamental skills and a love for the sport.

Olo's vision is to produce future champions like Justin Olam and Edwin Ipape by teaching youngsters the basics. His decision to retire from professional rugby league and establish the SO Academy was challenging, but the passion of young players made it worthwhile.

Olo is not only teaching them rugby league skills, he sets values and standards that his players must abide with. 

1. Discipline on and off the field
2. Positive attitude and growth mindset
3. Embracing Christian values, such as pre- and post-game prayers
4. Community responsibility"

Tala: Waidex To Participate In Snax 9’s

Waidex Rugby League Club Founder Bixsy Tala has continue his support to the team. Tala has pledge his support to the team for this year’s rugby league 9’s tournaments throughout the country.

Tala is excited to lead Waidex to the Snax 9's tournament in Lae, Morobe Province, this December. This marks the team's second appearance in the prestigious event, following their participation last year.

“ I will be sending a team to compete again in Snax 9’s. This time around I will focus on young talents in Moresby South and NCD”, he said.

Under Tala's guidance, Waidex Rugby League Club has become a powerhouse in rugby 9's tournaments, participating in events like Moresby South 9's, Southern 9's, and Snax 9's. Tala prioritizes player welfare, ensuring their well-being alongside success on the field.

“ My number one principle in Waidex Rugby League Club is

to look after players well”, he said. 

From Kaugere Primary School Girls Rugby League to NCD

(Ruth Gende in action for NCD Vipers during the Santos Woman’s Cup Match against Dabaris)

Rising star Ruth Gende has been named to the NCD Vipers Women's Team for the upcoming Women's Digicel Cup Competition, solidifying her position as one of the most promising young players in Papua New Guinea's rugby league scene.

Gende's journey began at age 6, training with her brothers' school team, Kaugere Primary School Boys Rugby League, coached by her father, Me Arnold Gende. She officially started playing at 12 in the 2017 School Girls Rugby League competition.

The Simbu native quickly became a household name, renowned for her impressive skills, including try-scoring, try-saving, and bone-crunching tackles. Gende's talent earned her selection in the Southern Confederation (Zone) team in 2019 and her debut in senior rugby league with Kaukana United Women's team.

Gende's Achievements:

- Junior Orchids team member against Australian School Girls (2023)
- Moresby South Rugby Football League player (2019)
- School Confederation Championships participant (2019)
- NCD Vipers Women's Team selection (2024)

Gende's Goals:

“ Representing PNG in front of my family and people is something that I will always remember and embrace for eternity,“ she said. 

- Join the Orchids Senior Women's team
- Excel in the Women's Digicel Cup Competition with NCD Vipers
- Attract overseas club selectors

From Isou Player To Isou Development Coach

(Gulf Isou Development Coach Mark Kumbi with his players)

Former Gulf Isou center, Mark Kumbi, has transitioned from a stellar playing career to coaching, leading the Gulf Isou Development side in Moresby South Rugby Football League.

Kumbi's rugby league journey began in 2008 with Erema in Kaugere Off-season, following a stint in basketball with South's Club in 2006-2007. He played for Gabutu Dragons, Port Moresby Vipers (train and trial squad), Central Dabaris, and Gulf Isou in the Digicel Cup.

Kumbi's Achievements:

- Represented Southern Zone in Confederate Championship
- Part of Southern Confederate's inaugural Digicel Cup 9's win (2015)
- Led Moresby South Blacks to Southern Confederation titles
- Played in various rugby league 9's tournaments nationwide

Coaching Career:

- Gabutu Dragons U20 (Minor Premier, Moresby South Rugby Football League, 2023)
- Southern Blacks (Southern Zone trials, 2023)
- Waidex 9's (Plate finals winner, Southern Zone 9's, 2023)
- Moresby South Gulf (Gulf Isou Talent Identification Program titles, 2024)
- Gulf Isou Development side (Moresby South Rugby Football League, 2024)

“There are so many things that motivate me to become a coach. As a Coach, we often focus on what motives an athlete. Indeed, one of our primary role is to help an athlete stay on track with their goals and keep their motivation high. I take up coach because I see there’s a lot of talent that needs to be expose to the next level and stay away from there conform zone. In today’s generation, we have a lot of talent but our mind-sets is still killing our own talent”. Kumbi said.

As a coach, Kumbi prioritizes balancing education and sports, inspiring his players to excel both on and off the field.

Gulf Isou Development Side Gears Up for Success

With Mark Kumbi at the helm, the Gulf Isou Development side is poised for a strong performance in Moresby South Rugby Football League.

Meet Michael Kiki: Aspiring Young Lad From 2 City Rabbitohs

At just 19 years old, Michael Kiki has already made a name for himself in Moresby South Rugby Football League's Senior Men's Division.

Kiki's remarkable journey began at 15 with Kaugere Bulldogs in 2021. He rapidly progressed from U20 to A Grade in four years, joining 2 City Rabbitohs in 2023.

FROM BACKLINE TO FORWARD STAR

Initially a backline player, Kiki transitioned to forward, now excelling as a second-rower for 2 City Rabbitohs A Grade Division.

KIKI'S GOALS

- Make the Southern Confederation side
- Join the Junior Kumuls
- Represent Southern Blacks

WEEK-IN, WEEK-OUT CONSISTENCY

Kiki's dedication and work ethic have earned praise from coaches and fans alike. His relentless pursuit of excellence makes him a compelling candidate for higher honors.

As the young talent continues to impress, rugby league enthusiasts eagerly anticipate his next move.

Meet Quentin Waripe: One Of Talented Youngster From Moresby South Rugby Football League

Quentin Waripe, the versatile utility player from Kaugere Bulldogs, is making waves in Moresby South Rugby Football League with his exceptional skills and try-scoring prowess.

The young athlete, hailing from Southern Highlands Province, has been impressing fans since his debut. Waripe's versatility allows him to excel in various positions, including fullback, winger, center, halfback, hooker, and five-eight.

TRY-SCORING SENSATION

Quentin's trademark is scoring tries or providing try assists, showcasing his attacking flair. His dedication to whatever team he plays for has earned him recognition.

RUGBY LEAGUE JOURNEY

Waripe began playing rugby league at 10 in school boys league, progressing to Kaugere Bulldogs and representing Southern Blacks in various tournaments and trials. He has also gained valuable experience in NCD Governors Cup and rugby league 9's tournaments nationwide.

GOALS AND ASPIRATIONS

- Get selected for Southern Blacks team in Southern Confederation trials
- Realize childhood dream of playing in Digicel Cup Competition
- Join a Digicel Cup team for the 2025 season

DIGICEL CUP BOUND?

With his impressive skills and work ethic, Quentin Waripe is poised to become a valuable asset for any Digicel Cup team. As the 2025 season approaches, Waripe's name is one to watch.

Tabo Grateful For Opportunity

 23-year-old Ismael Tabo has expressed his gratitude to PRK Gulf Isou for retaining him for the 2024 Digicel Cup Season. This marks Tabo's second year with the club.

Tabo, of Hela and Eastern Highlands mixed parentage, grew up in Sabama among Gulf Province communities, fostering a strong sense of belonging.

RUGBY LEAGUE JOURNEY

Tabo's rugby league career began with Sabama Raiders in Moresby South Rugby Football League. Initially playing wing and center, he found his niche as a forward, excelling in prop, front row, second row, and lock positions.

Tabo also played for Bige Gulf West, a Gulf Isou feeder club, and represented Southern Blacks (MSRFL Selected Side) in various tournaments.

DIGICEL CUP DREAM

Like many young talents, Tabo's ultimate goal is to join the Hunters Squad.

"Playing for Gulf Isou is a blessing and a lifetime opportunity," Tabo said. "I'm committed to giving my best."

COACHES PRAISE TABO'S HUMILITY AND WORK ETHIC

Tabo's community looks up to him as a role model, inspiring young athletes in Sabama.

Gulf Isou Committed to Developing Local Talent

PRK Gulf Isou's focus on nurturing young players has provided opportunities for overlooked talents like Ismael Tabo.

As the Digicel Cup Season progresses, Tabo's journey will be one to watch.

Source : Lead News Online

Sports Magazine was written and curated by John Fred, Freelance Journalist / Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea 
Email: [email protected]

Edited by Florence Kyei / Lead News Online