Waghi Hawks secure UPNGRFL Minor Premiership Title

The HRM Waghi Hawks were crowned the University of Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (UPNGRFL) Minor Premiers after edging out the SHSS Northern Vikings with a gritty 16-10 margin on Sunday, 26 July 2026, at Vice-Chancellor's Oval. 

It was a clash of the two halves, with the Hawks dominating the first half and comfortably leading the contest 16-0 at the interval. However, the Vikings rallied for a second-half comeback but fell short, losing to the Jiwaka lads by 6 points.  

The Hawks started their campaign with a loss. However, they regrouped in round 2 and asserted their dominance, recording nine consecutive wins, clinching the minor premiership title, and marching to the playoffs.

Despite bowing out in the major semifinals last year, the Hawks were never considered as serious premiership contenders this season. The freshmen and second-year students stepped up to the challenge and stamped their authority this year.  

“We were the underdogs despite making the major semifinals last year,” former long-serving HRM Waghi Hawks coach and current attacking mentor, Nathan Woti, said.

“Most of our senior players left the club. Some went to other clubs, and others graduated. We had to work with a completely new team. 

“Most of the players are doing their first and second year of studies. They really stood up strong for us this season and helped us win the minor premiership title. 

“Overall, I’d say it’s a big improvement from where we started in the off-season, but there is still room for improvement.

“The boys themselves know what to do to improve in some of the areas that we lack.”

Woti explained that they assembled a very young side this year, blooding in 6 or 7 rookies and giving them game time to prove their worth, with the emerging talent taking the opportunity with both hands and growing in leaps and bounds. 

The former Waghi Hawks’ coach admitted that a few of the experienced players in the team are slowly adjusting their game and trying to build combinations with the rookies ahead of the finals. 

“Because most of our boys are newcomers and the season is very short, they are still trying to gel and play as a team,” Woti said.  

“Some of the boys are still learning the fundamentals of rugby league, so we try to win matches but at the same time, give opportunities to those who need game time to get confidence.” 

Woti added that they needed to compete for 80 minutes if they wanted to be competitive and reach the decider.  

“Our biggest problem is complacency,” he pointed out.  

“We tend to concede points as soon as we take the lead, and that is something the boys will work on heading into the finals. 

“There are some small mistakes with our attack, but we can fix those areas quickly.” 

Woti remains hopeful that the minor premiers will rise to the occasion and impose their presence in the finals. 

“Yes, I am confident that we can win the grand final, but our focus remains on the games in front of us,” he said. 

“We are not too worried or focused on the grand final. We want to take each match at a time and improve.

“I always tell the boys that they shouldn’t worry too much about winning, but playing a creative and beautiful game that can captivate the audience and the supporters and leave people in awe. That's my goal, and I am sure the boys get that locked in. 

“The grand final is important, but we want to take each game at a time and not stress ourselves.”

Meanwhile, the SNPS Sisters claimed the women’s minor premiership title.

The knockouts will run for at least two weekends, with the grand final scheduled for mid-August. 

The LuckyBet777 is the naming rights sponsor of the 2026 UPNGRFL competition. 

PC: Trobrian Photography