Olam confident in the growth of women’s rugby in PNG

Former PNG Kumuls centre Justin Olam (middle) with six team captains of the Santos Cup during the launch on Tuesday evening (Image: PNGRFL)

Retired Papua New Guinea rugby league star Justin Olam has expressed confidence in the future of women’s rugby in the country as it heads into the second edition of the PNG National Women’s Competition.

Speaking to media at the official Santos Cup launch on Tuesday evening, Olam praised the six-team competition as a strong platform to encourage and empower young women to pursue rugby at elite levels.

“It’s a really good initiative, especially for young women in PNG,” Olam said. “It’s brave for the players to come out and take part. Although there are only six teams now, I hope more teams join as the competition grows.”

Olam said PNG Orchids blistering semifinals finish in the previous World Cup, was a positive sign of women's rugby league development.

He acknowledged cultural and societal barriers that often make it challenging for women to participate in sports but said this competition is helping break those barriers.

The former Kumuls powerhouse said with the elite competition slowly growing, players will have the chance to explore opportunities abroad.

The inaugural grand final between Central Dabaris (blue) and Goroka Lahanis last year. Lahanis were crowned the inaugural winners after defeating Dabaris, 8-6 at Santos National Football Stadium *(Image: Santos Cup)*

“This is empowering for young women. They’ve got the talent to compete not just locally but internationally,” Olam said. “We already have Elsie Albert playing in the NRLW, and it would be great to see more PNG women reaching that level.”

The 2025 competition will feature the Central Dabaris, Port Moresby Vipers, Mt Hagen Eagles, Rabaul Gurias, Lae Snax Tigers, and defending champions Goroka Lahanis.

Olam, a Melbourne Storm premiership winner, is currently in Port Moresby with Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League and League Bilong Laif, conducting workshops ahead of the Santos-backed competition kickoff this weekend.

He said the competition would also help address wider societal issues.

“Rugby league in PNG has always been dominated by men, but now women are sharing the spotlight, which is great,” Olam said. “Initiatives like this can help combat domestic violence and other issues affecting women. It’s a big step in the right direction.”