Erave Rugby League Nearing Finals

The Erave Rugby League (ERL) is preparing to host its third consecutive finals after the competition began its inaugural season in 2024.

Erave, located in the eastern part of the Southern Highlands Province in the Kagua-Erave District, has already run 8 exciting rounds. 

The competition has hit overdrive, with only two rounds remaining before the playoffs kick off in September.

Eight teams are competing across two pools: A and B Grades, with plans to include the women’s division in the future. 

The top 6 teams will be selected from both the senior and junior divisions, setting the stage for a thrilling finals. 

Erave Rugby League President Daniel Mere mentioned that the excitement is building up as the teams set their sights on competing in the finals. 

“The Erave Rugby League has just wrapped up a huge round 8 of the proper season last weekend, and what a round it was,” he said. 

“With only 2 rounds left before the regular season ends, the battle for a spot in the top 6 is getting serious in both the senior and junior grades.” 

President Mere explained that the competition had been competitive, with the finals looming: “After 8 hard-fought rounds, the ladder is tightening. 

“Every point matters. Last weekend’s matches showed a real preview of finals intensity. Teams are no longer playing for just 2 points; they’re playing for September. 

“The hits are bigger, the defense tighter, and the will to win is showing on every set.”

Erave’s spiritual rugby league home ground, the famous Kamare Oval, has hosted competitive, physical matches this season, including the previous two seasons. 

“Week after week, Kamare Oval comes alive,” Mr. Mere said. 

“Clubs are turning up with pride, jerseys on, and communities behind them. The crowd noise, the sideline calls, the dust from every tackle — this is Erave footy at its best. 

“Last round proved again that no team can be taken lightly. Upsets are real, and momentum is everything heading into the last 2 rounds.”

Mere added that the top 6 will qualify for the finals, noting that it’s exciting to not only see the senior players strut their stuff but also for emerging talent to showcase their skills and show the future of ERL.

“For the senior men, it’s about bragging rights, trophies, and the honor of representing ERL at the next level,” Mere said.  

“With the Kokomos representative squad also on the horizon, players know strong finals form could open doors.” 

The ERL boss stated that rounds 9 and 10 will decide who lives to compete for premiership glory in October.

“Expect clubs to lift their performance, coaches to dig deep, players to leave nothing on Kamare Oval. From now on, every error, every try, every conversion counts," he explained.

Mr. Mere acknowledged his executive team, sponsors, players, team management, and fans for their support this season and looks forward to the finals.

“To my executives, the sponsors, clubs, officials, and supporters, thank you for making round 8 a success,” he expressed. 

“The standard of footy, the discipline, and the community spirit have been outstanding. Let’s keep it clean, hard, and fair as we head into the business end of the season.”

Erave Rugby League was affiliated with the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) in 2024 and completed two successful seasons in 2024 and 2025. ERL looks forward to delivering its third successful season in 2026.