Cathy Neap to coach PNG PM’s XIII Women’s Team

Following consecutive premiership success with the Central Dabaris in the Santos Cup, the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) appointed Cathy Neap to coach the PNG Prime Minister’s XIII Women’s Team.

The Engan-Gulf lady has created history, becoming the first Papua New Guinean woman to coach the national team.

Neap, Papua New Guinea's pioneer Orchid in 2017, is a PNG women’s rugby league trailblazer who has been leading by example on and off the field. 

After retiring from playing rugby league a few years ago, Neap stepped into a mentoring role, working alongside rugby league administration and academy pathways to strengthen the women’s game.  

In 2024, she began her semi-professional coaching career with the Dabaris when the Santos Cup was introduced to empower and create opportunities for PNG women’s rugby league players. 

That year, she led the Dabaris to the grand final, who unfortunately lost to the Goroka Lahanis. The Central women regrouped in 2025, claiming their first title and defending it in 2026 under Neap’s watch. 

Leading the Dabaris to three consecutive grand finals in the Santos Cup and winning back-to-back titles was enough to attract national coaching duties. 

Of all the equally qualified coaches in PNG and abroad, Neap said she was privileged to be selected to lead the PM’s XIII women’s team this year.

Neap thanked the PNGRFL for the confidence in her to mentor the team and congratulated the players for their selection. 

“I would like to congratulate every player selected in the Prime Minister’s XIII women’s squad,” the two-time premiership-winning coach said. 

“Each of these players has worked hard to reach this level, and now they have a wonderful opportunity to represent Papua New Guinea in front of their home supporters.

“I want the girls to believe in themselves, play for one another, and show the commitment and determination they have demonstrated throughout their careers.

“We are grateful to PNGRFL for giving us this opportunity and for continuing to invest in the growth of women’s rugby league in PNG.”