NRL pathways strengthened in Papua New Guinea via junior development camp

National Rugby League (NRL) pathways continue to be enhanced in Papua New Guinea (PNG) with a Junior Kumuls development camp, held on 7th and 8th March in PNG providing 25 local young athletes with a high-performance training experience designed to advance their skills via offering specialist coaching.

The initiative aimed to help the next generation of rugby league players reach their full potential and build a strong future for the sport in PNG.

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) and NRL spearheaded the event - supporting the camp with coaching expertise and logistical assistance. As part of its commitment, the ADF provided accommodation for the athletes attending the program in Port Moresby, as well as transport for some participants via a Spartan aircraft based in Port Moresby.

Specialist ADF rugby league coaching staff also worked alongside Head of Elite Pathways coach and NRL guru, Joey Grima, to deliver high-quality training.

Warrant Officer Class 2 Michael Allison, one of the ADF coaches at the Junior Kumuls development camp, praised the talent and dedication of PNG’s young rugby league players.

Warrant Officer Allison noted “one of the biggest things I noticed was the toughness, skill and speed that the PNG players have.

“I didn’t know what to expect coming into this camp but I quickly noticed their discipline – turning up on time, wearing the uniform correctly and staying focused. Some of these young men will go on to play for the Senior Kumuls side and perhaps even in the NRL.

“They knew what was at stake and they were committed.”

The enthusiasm for rugby league in PNG was unmistakable and discussions surrounding an NRL PNG team only fuelled the excitement.

The Junior Kumuls development camp was part of the broader ADF Pacific Sports Program, which took place in Port Moresby from 3rd to 8th March 2025, in collaboration with the NRL, AFL, Sports Medicine Australia, and the Federation of International Touch Football.

The program offered internationally accredited coaching, referee training, sports trainer certification, first aid education, healthy lifestyle guidance and strength and conditioning programs to over 360 participants.

Aligning with the Pacific ‘Step-Up’ objectives and the Australian Government’s ‘Team Up’ initiative, this effort emphasised sustained sporting engagement rather than one-off activities.

Given rugby league's status as PNG’s national sport, this investment in grassroots and junior player development strengthened PNG’s sporting pathways, from community participation to elite competition.

Image. ADF and NRL Junior Kumuls Dev Camp Port Moresby Credit: CPO Paul Berry