PNG NRLC Awards Night Celebrates 2026 Season Top Performers

The Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNG NRLC) has recognized the outstanding players, coaches, match officials, and clubs from the 2026 season at the 2026 PNG NRLC Awards Night, celebrating achievements across both the Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup and Santos Cup.

The annual awards brought together representatives from PNGRFL, Wan Haus partners, including the PNG Chiefs, SP PNG Hunters, and NRL in PNG, major sponsors, Digicel, ExxonMobil, and Santos, as well as representatives from the Santos Cup and Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup franchises, to acknowledge the individuals and teams who stood out throughout the 2026 season.

PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Hondina, said the recognition reflected the hard work and commitment demonstrated throughout the 2026 season.

“Congratulations to all our award recipients on these milestone achievements. Your hard work, dedication, and commitment throughout the season have been recognised, and you should be proud of what you have accomplished. These awards are a testament to the effort you have put into improving yourselves and contributing to the growth of rugby league in Papua New Guinea,” Hondina said. 

DIGICEL-EXXONMOBIL CUP AWARDS

Top Try Scorer: Manase Watt - Port Moresby Vipers

Top Points Scorer: Mark Alunga, ENB Gurias

Rookie of the Year: Jayden Numapo - Kandes RLC

Coach of the Year: Roderrick Puname - Mendi Muruks

Club of the Year: Kandes RLC

Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup Team of the Year

Fullback of the Year: Jeremaiah Ben - Port Moresby Vipers

Winger of the Year: Joel William - Enga Mioks

Centre of the Year: Jayden Numapo - Kandes RLC

Five Eight of the Year: Lote Kuman - Hela Wigmen

Halfback of the Year: Francis Sam - Mendi Muruks

Hooker of the Year: Benia Simon - Kandes RLC

Prop of the Year: Xavier Turi - Hela Wigmen

Second Rower of the Year: Dou Tapako - Mendi Muruks

Lock of the Year: Modekai Waim - Enga Mioks

Player of the Year: Francis Sam - Mendi Muruks

Referee of the Year: Dickson Paul

SANTOS CUP AWARDS

Top Try Scorer: Naomi Kelly - Gas Resources Central Dabaris

Top Points Scorer: Sherinda Philip - Gas Resources Central Dabaris

Rookie of the Year: Alice Alois - Central Dabaris

Coach of the Year: Ben Wemin - Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers

Club of the Year: ENB Gurias

Santos Cup Team of the Year

Fullback of the Year: Jasmine Joe - Port Moresby Vipers

Winger of the Year: Alice Alois - PoM Vipers

Centre of the Year: Joyce Hobert - PoM Vipers

Five Eight of the Year: Tere Rema - Central Dabaris

Halfback of the Year: Laila Malabag - Pom Vipers

Hooker of the Year: Nisila Ravu - Central Dabaris

Prop of the Year: Winnie Steven - Central Dabaris

Second Rower of the Year: Tasha Storm - Mt. Hagen Eagles

Lock of the Year: Jaffinda Sap - Central Dabaris

Player of the Year: Jeffinda Sap - Central Dabaris

Referee of the Year: Norm Epi

PNG NRLC Chief Operating Officer, Tony Archer, also congratulated the award recipients, acknowledging the consistency, discipline, and commitment required to reach the highest level of recognition in the two competitions.

“Congratulations to all the award winners for your outstanding achievements throughout the 2026 season. Reaching this level of recognition requires consistency, discipline, and hard work. Each of you has demonstrated those qualities. We acknowledge and celebrate your achievements and look forward to seeing you continue to contribute to the game,” Archer said. 

The 2026 PNG NRLC Awards Night creates an opportunity to recognize the contributions of players, coaches, officials, and clubs to the continued growth and development of rugby league in Papua New Guinea.

The PNGNRLC congratulates all award recipients and acknowledges the clubs, sponsors, match officials, staff, volunteers, and supporters who contributed to the success of the 2026 season.