Santos Cup pre-season kicks off with inaugural football conference in Port Moresby
The 2025 Santos Cup pre-season has officially kicked off with the inaugural Santos Cup Football Conference underway in Port Moresby, running from June 3 to 5.
Bringing together coaches, referees, team managers, medical trainers, and physiotherapists, the three-day conference aims to build capacity and promote professionalism ahead of the women’s rugby league season.
The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League [PNGRFL] officially launched the event, with CEO Stanley Hondina and key representatives from Santos, including Country Chair Leon Buskens, in attendance.
Mr Hondina praised Santos for its continued investment in rugby league development, particularly in the women’s game.
“On behalf of PNGRFL and the board I’d like to thank Santos for the continued support for the development of PNG Rugby league and women’s rugby league,” Hondina said.
“Santos and everyone involved, you’re apart of PNG history of rugby league and breaking barriers to allow our women’s team to have a national competition that provides a pathway to represent PNG in the International arena.”
The Santos Cup will run from August 2 to September 14, with six women’s club franchises confirmed for the 2025 season: Bintangor Goroka Lahanis, Gas Resource Central Dabaris, Lae Snax Tigers, Moni Plus Port Moresby Vipers, Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles, and the ENB Agmark Gurias.
The tournament will feature seven rounds, including the semi-finals and grand final, and is designed to provide a platform for players from the Affiliated League competition to progress to national representation with the Santos PNG Orchids.
Santos Country Chair Leon Buskens outlined the company’s commitment to gender equality and community development through sport.
“This is the first ever national women’s competition football conference, and I must say, when I walked in, I expected to see all women but there is an equal number of men and want to say that it is all about partnership and equal opportunity,” he said.
Buskens highlighted Santos’ ongoing support, noting key investments including K260 million for the construction of the Santos National Football Stadium, K17 million in naming rights, and K12 million towards the Santos PNG Orchids and the Santos Cup.
“This goes beyond branding and today you are all a part of the journey of changing mindsets and building a better future,” Buskens said.
Hondina also reminded participants that capacity building efforts are aligned with PNGRFL’s broader vision: ‘Better People, Better Sports, Better Nation’.
“Just some years ago we weren’t able to play rugby league without people jumping high fences with barbwires and families weren’t able to attend to watch a game. Today we have first class facilities and a safe environment. It is all about mindset and attitude change.”
With strong backing from its major sponsor and growing interest in the women’s game, the 2025 Santos Cup is set to be a landmark season for women’s rugby league in Papua New Guinea.