Dabaris Crowned Santos Cup Minor Premiers

The Gas Resources Central Dabaris are the Minor  Premiers of the 2026 Santos Cup after eight weeks of competition. In a historic moment for PNG women’s rugby league, the team was presented with the Ruth Waram Minor Premiership Shield for the first time. 

The shield is named in honor of Ruth Waram, the inaugural Chairlady of the Santos PNG  Orchids, whose pioneering leadership and dedication helped lay the foundation for the growth of the women's game at the international level. 

"Awarding the Ruth Waram Minor Premiership Shield is a significant milestone for the Santos  Cup," said Adrian Chow, Chairman of the PNG NRLC. 

"It not only recognizes the consistency and excellence of the Dabaris side throughout the regular season but also pays tribute to a woman who has been instrumental in the journey of the PNG Orchids." 

The Santos Cup, PNG's national women’s rugby league competition, has seen an exceptional level of talent and competition in its third year. The crowning of the minor premiers marks the beginning of an exciting finals series as teams vie for the ultimate prize, the 2026 Santos Cup premiership. 

Cathy Neap, the head coach of the Gas Resources Dabaris, said winning the minor premiership title reflected the strong season the team has had. 

“Winning the minor premiership is a special achievement for our team and a reflection of the hard work, commitment, and consistency the girls have shown throughout the season,” Neap said. 

“We are proud of what the Central Dabaris have achieved, but we know there is still work to be done as we continue to focus on the bigger goal ahead. May this achievement boost women's rugby league in Central province. 

“It's not just about winning, but it's about being able to make better choices to become better every day.”

The Gas Resources Central Dabaris will take on the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis in the  Santos Cup Semi Finals next week, whilst the Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers take on the Lae  Snax Tigers for the opportunity to meet at the 2026 Santos Cup Grand Final.

Ruth Waram, the inaugural Chairperson of the Santos PNG Orchids, said: “Women's rugby league in PNG has come a long way, and I am incredibly honored to have this shield named after me, recognizing my contribution to the development of women’s rugby league in PNG in my capacity as the then inaugural chair of the PNG Orchids. 

“I hope it inspires current and future generations of female players to dream big, work hard, and continue raising the standard of the game across the country. 

“I also want to thank Oil Search, now Santos, for their incredible support with the development of the women’s game.”

The Santos Cup is the premier national women's rugby league competition in Papua New Guinea, supported by the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) through partnerships with naming rights partners, Santos, as well as PacificAus Sports, Kumul Minerals Holdings Limited, and Digicel. The competition aims to provide a professional pathway for female athletes and further elevate the status of women's rugby league in the nation.