With the aim to raise the standard of rugby league in the country, 17 Papua New Guinea (PNG) trainers from the PNG Rugby League Competition and the PNG Hunters are currently undergoing the necessary requirements for Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA) Level 1 Accreditation, all thanks to the Papua New Guinea Rugby League (PNGRFL) in partnership with the Pacific Aus Sports Program.
ASCA conducted its Level 1 course in Port Moresby, from Thursday 23rd of November to Sunday 26th of November 2023. The comprehensive 4-day course covered all aspects of being a Strength & Conditioning (S&C) Coach and was facilitated by Queensland Rugby League (QRL) Physical Performance Director, Mr. John Mitchell.
Mitchell is the lead S&C coach for the QLD women’s State of Origin team, is a Board Member of the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA) and is the second ever fully accredited Master S&C coach worldwide, a journey that took him 8 years.
PNGRFL General Manager – High Performance, Marc Portus said, “He brings immense value to the performance staff of our NRLC clubs in preparation for the 2024 Digicel ExxonMobil cup.
These boys now have the fundamental knowledge, skills and confidence to go back to their clubs and give our local PNG athletes their best ever pre- season programs.
This is about professionalizing the NRLC competition in line with PNGRFL strategic plans.”
PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Stanley Hondina said, “We have greater plans for the game in our country but for those plans to be realized we need manpower. And what we’re doing now is all aligning to building capacity and upskilling our people with mandatory skill sets internationally required.”
“The PNGRFL is committed to continue developing our people and are seeing pathways for coaching staff and also for athletes after their playing careers, with the education and the relevant accreditation.
The program saw the graduation and opportunity provided to Trainers from this cohort to be a part of Elite Teams, in the recent Prime Minister’s XIII and Pacific Championship fixtures. Frank Rarua (Port Moresby Vipers), George Tobata (ENB Gurias), Lawrence Tu’u (Gulf Isou), Noel Joel (Lae Tigers) and Simon Gibisini (Port Moresby Vipers), were all recognized and brought into the Junior Orchids, Junior Kumuls and Orchids coaching staff during the mentioned campaigns this year.” Hondina further highlighted.
The PNGRFL’s partnership with the Australian Government’s Pacific Aus Sports Program, has seen an increase in education and mentoring in the PNGRFL’s High Performance tiers and are stepping stones in achieving the designed outcomes of the 2022-2027 Plan.
The 2023 Sports Trainer Program cohort will continue their ASCA Level 1 accreditation process after this practical and face-to-face assessment, with their coursework and hours for the 2024 season and preseason.