Newtown Chiefs eye Cairns 7s after winning Rosso Trans-Highway 7s Plate Title
Port Moresby’s Newtown Chiefs claimed the Rosso Trans-Highway 7s Plate title after defeating Lae’s Irok Pirates with a 22-10 margin on Sunday, 27 September 2026, at SCRUM Oval in Lae, Morobe Province.
Representing the nation's capital alongside the Gerehu Natives, the Chiefs went on a mission to win the Cup in their inaugural campaign in Lae, but settled for the Plate.
Club Manager Mitch Jonah said it was very challenging to compete outside of the capital city, but the players embraced the challenge and thanked the fans for their support.
“It’s always a challenge when you travel out of home (PoM), especially taking a group of young men away from their families,” Jonah shared.
“We thank all our families back in PoM for the support they showed us throughout the tournament.
“We are so thankful also for our families in Lae who came out to support the team. A great feeling going out there and representing our communities and PoM.”
The Newtown Chiefs comprises players from various parts of Port Moresby, including Edai Town, the home of the Chiefs, Gereka, Gerehu, and Eight Mile.
“We aimed to finish high in the Cup, but unfortunately, we missed out with a narrow loss to the Malac Wanderers,” Jonah said.
“It hurts that we saved our worst for the Cup quarterfinal, but credit to the boys for regrouping quickly with a new goal, and that is to take the Plate, which we eventually did.”
Mr. Jonah said the Rosso Trans-Highway stopped a few years ago, urging the organizers to host the event annually, and commended the Morobe Rugby Union Association for reviving the seven-a-side tourney.
“It’s been a long time. I think it has been five years since the last tournament was hosted,” he said.
“Thank you to the MRU for bringing it back, and I hope they can make the tournament an annual fixture.”
He added that though many teams from across the country traveled to Lae to participate in the tournament, only a few teams were competitive.
“Though it attracted teams from other provinces, there was a big contrast between the top teams like PC Ravens, Black Orchids, Kimbe Rebels, Irok Pirates, Hangan Pirates, and others,” Jonah said.
“Mainly because these teams take part in other annual 7s tournaments and the players are improving their games, and we witnessed that during the tournament.”
The club manager said it was a good learning experience for the capital boys, thanking the skipper’s leadership and the players’ performances for winning the Plate.
“As a club, we take the learnings from this trip and improve in the areas that need improvement, and keep building. We will mostly go back to participate in the tournament if it is on again next year,” he said.
“I would like to commend our captain, Wesley Vali, for leading this young team and also congratulate our two standout players, vice captain Charlie Nick and Omega Jogioba, for their great performances.
“Charlie and Omega have come a long way from rugby league and AFL backgrounds. They are building rapport with themselves and with our club.
“Overall, I want to thank the team for stepping up after a couple of players pulled out in the eleventh hour. That did not dampen the Chiefs’ spirit. The players soldiered on and brought the first 7s silverware to our trophy cabinet.”
Meanwhile, following their successful Rosso Trans-Highway 7s campaign in Morobe’s capital, the Newtown Chiefs now shift their focus to the upcoming Cairns 7s, slated for 30-31 October 2026.
Jonah said the team will be headlined by a 2026 Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup grand final winner, players from the recent Rosso Trans-Highway 7s tournament, and a few from Ave Rugby League Club, blending experience with youth.
The final team was announced on Monday, October 5th. The Newtown Chiefs will fly to Cairns on October 28th, hoping to make their presence known in the Capital of Far North Queensland.
The Newtown Chiefs traveling squad that will participate in the Fiji Airways Cairns 7s Rugby Union Tournament from October 30-31:
Andrew Solo
Calon Kivu
Charlie Nick
Clyde Lome
Cyril Seiba
Derrick Voku
Eddie Ramit
Junior Hoki
Kunak Late
Omega Jogioba
Paul Tono
Peter Paike
Raymond Liri
Thomas Kaikai
Wesley Vali
Willie Tirang
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