Pacific Corporate backs rugby comp in Sinesine Yongomugl with K50,000 sponsorship
Pacific Corporate Group of Companies yesterday renewed its gold sponsorship of the United Sinesine Yongomugl [USSY] Rugby League, contributing K50,000 to support the district’s growing rugby program.
This is the second time Pacific Corporate Group of Companies has taken the gold sponsorship role since the league’s establishment in 2024.
In the league’s inaugural year the Sinesine Yongomugl District Development Authority held the gold sponsorship while Pacific Corporate served as a silver sponsor.
Speaking at the sponsorship handover, Dr. John Tonar, who represented Pacific Corporate Group of Companies, praised the depth of rugby talent in Sinesine Yongomugl District, saying the company wants to develop more players who can represent the district and province in Simbu Warriors for Digicel ExxonMobil Cup, and ultimately the PNG Kumuls and overseas competitions such as the NRL.
“Rugby league legends in SSY like Bal Numapo, Michael Mark and Justin Olam set the precedent, and we want to be part of producing the next generation of stars,” Dr. Tonar said.
He also highlighted Papua New Guinea’s pathway to the NRL by 2028 as an opportunity for young players and urged students, men and women to take sports, health and education seriously.
Dr. Tonar reiterated Pacific Corporate Group’s longstanding commitment to community investment, noting that the company normally supports charities, churches, education and sports.
“We are people-oriented and always happy to invest in the development of people and the good of society. Pacific Corporate will continue to back this league in the years to come,” he said.
USSY Rugby League chairman Paul John Ore thanked Pacific Corporate Group for investing in the right avenue, calling the company’s return as gold sponsor a major achievement for the two-year-old competition.
He also commended the Sinesine Yongomugl DDA for its earlier support.
“The investment is not wasted,” John Ore said, noting USSY has already begun producing players for higher-level competition.
Over the last two years, two USSY graduates have progressed into the Digicel Cup.
“Investment in rugby league is also an investment in development,” he added. "USSY’s vision is to nurture more young talents. The skills and talents are there, but we need a collaborative effort to nurture and turn them into productive careers."
He stressed that Pacific Corporate Group of Companies and USSY DDA were instrumental in launching the league and sustaining support, and that the program’s first aim is to shift young people’s attitudes, a goal they say has shown progress over the last three years.
Jamie Kola Mul, Technical dlDirector of USSY Rugby League and the coordinator for Simbu Provincial Rugby League Development, recalled the league’s launch in 2024 and said organisers successfully completed the inaugural grand final.
He added the league again ran a strong season and grand final in 2025, and Pacific Corporate Group’s steady sponsorship has been crucial to the league’s progress.
Pastor John Kamane, president of USSY Rugby League, specifically thanked Jacob Kaupa, the Managing Director of Pacific Corporate Group, for putting money where the mouth is.
He said the K50,000 injection will help develop young talents, change attitudes, and support broader community development.
The sponsorship announcement was witnessed by representatives from Pacific Corporate Group of Companies from Port Moresby and Lae, SPRLD board members, provincial and district government representatives, and rugby legends from Simbu.
USSY officials said the funds will be used to support player development programs, competition running costs and outreach initiatives aimed at strengthening the pathway from raw talents to provincial and national representation.