The 2026 season of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Competition was officially launched at the Gateway Hotel last night, marking the 36th year of Papua New Guinea’s premier rugby league competition.
The event was attended by key dignitaries and stakeholders, including Hon. Kinoka Feo, Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology and Sports; Alan Drury representing the Australian High Commission; Chairman of the PNG National Rugby League Competition, Adrian Chow; PNG Chiefs General Manager Micheal Chammas; CEO of the PNG Rugby Football League Stanley Hondina; CEO of the PNG Chiefs Lorna McPherson; Head of Brand and Communications for Digicel PNG, Salome Delabu; Government Relations Supervisor for ExxonMobil PNG, Maui Alaluku; as well as sponsors and partners including Cornwall Murals Holdings Ltd, WRC Capital Group of Companies, Coca-Cola Euro pacific Partners PNG, Coral Sea Hotels, PNG Air and representatives of the 12 respective franchises.
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In his address, Chairman Adrian Chow reflected on the significance of the competition, describing it as the biggest sporting competition in Papua New Guinea.
He highlighted that in 2025; the grand finals of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup and the Santos Cup were major events celebrating the nation’s 50th independence anniversary.
He recalled the moment the trophy arrived by helicopter to a packed stadium, carried by Justin Olam and Stanley Gene alongside other sporting ambassadors.
Mr. Chow said the 2026 season marks the beginning of the next 50 years, with rugby league playing a key role in driving positive change and development.
He noted significant progress in the implementation of the competition’s five-year strategic plan, now in its fourth year, with increased planning, preparation and capacity building.
Mr. Chow outlined several initiatives undertaken ahead of the season, including annual club audits covering governance, financial stability, sustainability, venues, facilities and development areas.
Capacity-building programs included franchise managers’ reviews, coaching and conditioning courses, referees’ workshops, and conferences for team managers, ground managers and match-day doctors.
Mr. Chow added that these efforts are guided by international best practices and PNGRFL accreditation, with a growing number of qualified Papua New Guineans now leading training programs previously conducted by Australian facilitators.
“The 2026 season will also see the introduction of a new franchise, the Morobe Kandes, based in Madang Province”.
Mr. Chow said this expansion supports the competition’s goal of widening its geographic reach and promoting rugby league across communities.
He noted increased investment in the Madang Rugby League venue and anticipated growth in school and community participation.
“Additional development pathways will also be introduced, including under-19 female and under-17 male competitions, alongside the under-19 male competition launched in 2025.
These programs aim to develop young players while promoting discipline, leadership, education, gender equality and health”, he said.
Mr. Chow acknowledged the continued support of major sponsors including Digicel PNG and ExxonMobil, as well as partners such as Kumul Mineral Holdings, PacificAus Sports, Kumul Petroleum, Santos, WR Carpenter Group of Companies and Coca-Cola Euro pacific Partners.
He commended staff and volunteers, expressing confidence in delivering another successful season, wishing all clubs, players, officials and staff a safe and successful 2026 competition.