𝗞umai-𝗕omai 𝗥ugby 𝗟eague Launches Inaugural Season

The Kumai-Bomai Rugby League launched its inaugural 2026 season on Friday, July 30th, at Morris Oval in Dia Village, Kumai-Bomai LLG, Gumine District, Simbu Province, marking a significant milestone for community sport and youth development. 

The launch attracted a massive crowd, including PNG Rugby Football League officials, community leaders, government representatives, invited guests, sponsors, players, and supporters, who traveled from across Gumine District, various parts of Simbu Province, and other provinces throughout Papua New Guinea to witness the historic occasion.

Following the official launch, merchandise and sporting equipment were presented to the participating teams, including official training apparel, playing jerseys, and tournament merchandise, to prepare the teams for the competition to begin. 

The PNGRFL also supported the teams with essential rugby league equipment, including official match balls, goal post pads, promotional banners, and other game-day resources, boosting the teams’ spirits ahead of the season proper. 

To promote gender equality and appreciate the important role women play in community sport, female teams were also presented with jerseys, volleyballs, basketballs, training merchandise, and other sporting equipment, ensuring they are equally supported and celebrated as part of the inaugural season.

The new competition will feature 16 teams, comprising the Junior and Senior divisions. Also, 16 female teams will compete in the volleyball and basketball competitions, respectively, which will run concurrently with the rugby league competition. The three competitions are expected to run through to November.

League initiator Charles Bilgan has been running community initiatives for over a decade, investing in human resources and helping young men leave illegal activities.   

“I recently registered my NGO-Bilgan Foundation Inc. after ten years of actively being involved in delivering impactful, community projects as a volunteer,” he said.  

“I have been distributing reading books to schools, solar lights to aid posts and health centres, clothes, stationery supplies, footwear, and beddings to many disadvantaged families. 

“This is one of the major social activities under Bilgan Foundation Inc. We have other activities to plan for this year.

“Youths are the real problems in all our societies. If we find ways to change youths, I strongly  believe our society, district, province, and country will definitely progress.” 

Bilgan added that he and the Kumai-Bomai Rugby League executive team would reach out to the Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA) to upskill the players with farming skills.

“While the youths are organized and continue the proper season, we will reach out to the FPDA to come on board to train all rugby league players to go into farming,” he stated.  

“They will farm bulb onions, cabbage, and other organic produce for consumption and sell their produce for income generation.”  

Bilgan revealed that they plan to officially register the league and affiliate it with the PNGRFL next year, hoping to operate a sanctioned competition that is sustainable.

“The PNGRFL participation officer for the lower Highlands, Mr. Nuabe Kuipa, was present during the launch and assured us of sanctioning the league next year,” Bilgan said.  

The Gumine native expressed his sincere appreciation to the sponsors, league executives, PNGRFL, teams, and locals for their support.

“I want to acknowledge the sponsors, including Mt Wilhelm Tourist Hotel, Omin Farm & Fresh Ltd, Lae Biscuit Company, LEJO Engineering Ltd, Sigma Engineering & Asset Management, Northern Mastamark Construction, Wildtrax Construction, and Kunpeng Construction,” Bilgan said.

“I also thank the league executives, Mr. Nuabe Kuipa, who is the PNGRFL participation officer for the lower Highlands, Rev. John Kamane, the Chairman of Simbu Rugby League Development Board, and Impaler Image.

“To all 16 participating teams, thank you for taking ownership and making field maintenance, road maintenance, bridge maintenance, and every necessary preparation for the launch.”  

Initiated by Charles Bilgan through the Bilgan Foundation Incorporation, Kumai-Bomai Rugby League aims to create opportunities for raw talent in Gumine district and wider Simbu province, while providing spin-off benefits for the players and locals.