Lai Valley Rugby League Joins PNG Rugby Football League in Historic Move

Rugby league in the Lai Valley has reached a historic milestone with the official registration of the Lai Valley Rugby Football League (Lai Valley RFL) under the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNG RFL).

To mark the occasion, the Lai Valley Rugby Football League Committee and members of the Lai Valley community in Port Moresby gathered at Adventure Park, 14 Mile, for a celebratory barbecue event.

A Dream Realized

Lai Valley RFL Chairman Alvin Gia acknowledged the hard work and dedication of all involved, expressing gratitude to those who contributed to making this long-awaited dream a reality.

“On behalf of the inaugural Lai Valley League Committee and the people of Lai Valley, I sincerely thank everyone for their support in making this possible,” Gia said.

A key figure behind this success is Vice Minister for State Enterprises and Member for Mendi Munihu, Hon. Raphael Tonpi, who provided a K50,000 contribution to support the league’s establishment.

“A special thank you to the Vice Minister for State Enterprises and Member for Mendi Munihu, Hon. Raphael Tonpi, for supporting the league with K50,000. This generous contribution has greatly helped us get off the ground,” Gia added.

New Era for Rugby League in Lai Valley

With the league now officially recognized, Lai Valley RFL Technical Director Emmanuel Tol announced plans to kickstart the inaugural season with a Lai Valley 9s Tournament in April at Munihu Station.

“This tournament will serve as a launching pad for the 2025 Lai Valley Rugby League season, which will feature six teams from the Lai Valley competing in the A Grade Division,” Tol revealed.

Beyond the A Grade competition, the league has ambitious expansion plans.

“We also plan to introduce Under-20 Men’s, Women’s, and School Boys’ divisions in the following year, ensuring a broader and more inclusive competition in the near future,” he said.

Referee and Community Development

A major focus for the Lai Valley RFL is the development of match officials. The league has partnered with PNG RFL technical teams to train referees and officials, ensuring the highest standards of the game.

Additionally, the league has already begun grassroots engagement, with volunteers conducting awareness campaigns in Lai Valley to mobilize support for the competition.

“We have already mobilized the youths to carry out awareness in Lai Valley for our first-ever organized sporting event,” said Deputy Chairman Jack Epi Wari.

“All the leaders of Lai Valley have come together to make this possible, so going forward, we will all stand together and support this to help bring about changes in the community.”

Transforming Lai Valley Through Rugby League

Chairman Alvin Gia believes the establishment of Lai Valley RFL will bring positive change to the community, particularly for young people.

“This league will give restless youths and young people a purpose in life. It will also stimulate economic activities that will benefit Lai Valley,” he said.

With a structured and sanctioned rugby league competition now in place, the Lai Valley is poised for a new era.