Takara Hawks are new champions of Madang Rugby League

Takara Hawks have emerged as the new champions of Madang Rugby League after narrowly defeating the reigning champions from last year, Royals, by a mere two points.

The game was a repeat of last year's grand final, which the Royals won.

This time around, Hawks managed to wrestle the premiership title from them with a scoreline of 10- 8.

The boys bagged their ten points through two field goals, a try and a successful conversion.

The Royals ran in two tries, one in the first half and the other in the second stanza; however, their conversions failed to find the goal posts.

The game was evenly contested, featuring hard hits and strong tackles by both sides.

According to rugby league executives in the province, both teams demonstrated competitive rugby, physical intensity, and sporting ability reflecting the continuous advancement of rugby league in Madang.

In the Men's Under 20 grand final, 6A Bulldogs defeated Takara Hawks 14- 6, whilst in the Open Women’s Division, Madang Royals beat Madang Sisters with a scoreline of 14- 4 to claim the 2026 Women's premiership title.

Executives of the Madang Rugby League Association are generally satisfied with the grand final games played on Sunday, despite a brawl that broke out on the field involving certain individuals and spectators.

On behalf of the MRL board and executives, President Albert Tobe expressed regret and sincerely apologised for the actions of the individuals who were involved in the fight.

"Madang Rugby League, on behalf of its affiliated clubs, players, officials, sponsors, and rugby league stakeholders in the province, wish to express its sincere regret and apologise to the general public, especially spectators and families who attended the 2026 Madang Rugby League Grand final at the Ron Albert Oval.

"The unfortunate incident that occurred seconds before the final whistle during the Men's A Grade grand final between Takara Hawks and Royals was completely unacceptable and does not reflect MRL, does not represent the values, spirit and progress of rugby league in Madang Province," Tobe said.

He added that what should have been a memorable celebration of rugby league after the grand final was overshadowed by a fight involving individuals.

The situation escalated when factions of the crowd rushed onto the field, resulting in a widespread brawl and serious disruption towards the end of the game.

Tobe added, "We are particularly disappointed by reports that the incident involved disgruntled individuals who were unhappy with the outcome of the match, alongside supporters whose behaviors appeared to have been affected by alcohol.

"MRL strongly condemns this behavior. Losing a match is never an excuse for violence, and no player or supporter has the right to turn a sporting event into a public disturbance.

"The actions of a few individuals must not be allowed to define the character of the thousands of players, supporters and community members who participate and support rugby league across the province.

"As president, I sincerely apologise to everyone who attended the grand final and was inconvenienced, distressed, or disappointed towards the dying seconds of the A Grade Men's grand final. We particularly regret that families, children and spectators who came to enjoy a day of rugby league were exposed to these unfortunate scenes."

The President, however; acknowledged the police personnel who intervened to restore order.

The incident, including video footages, which are circulating on social media, have attracted unwanted attention and risks damaging the reputation of rugby league in Madang.