The Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) has officially announced its 12-team line-up for the 2026 season, unveiling one major change that marks both an end and a new beginning in the country’s premier domestic rugby league competition.

In a move signaling the continued evolution of the sport, the Kandes Rugby Football League Club (RFLC) from Madang Province has been granted a competition license, joining the semi-professional league for the 2026 season. At the same time, the Kimbe Cutters have not been reissued their license following an end-of-season review, marking their end in the semi- professional league competition.

PNGNRLC Chairman Adrian Chow described the inclusion of the Kandes as a strategic step in expanding rugby league’s footprint across Papua New Guinea and nurturing the next generation of players.

“The addition of the Kandes is an exciting development for our game. Their entry demonstrates our vision to grow rugby league nationally, while maintaining strong governance and compliance standards that ensure the integrity of our competition,” Chow said.

The new Madang-based franchise will represent one of PNG’s most passionate rugby league provinces, a region that has produced notable talent over the years but has not previously hosted a team in the national competition.

Meanwhile, the Kimbe Cutters, who joined the competition in 2019, will not participate in the 2026 season after failing to meet all license renewal requirements.

“We appreciate the contribution that the Kimbe Cutters have made to the competition,” Chow said.

“PNGNRLC remains committed to working closely with the club to support their return to the competition once all entry requirements are met.”

According to the PNGNRLC, the decision followed an extensive annual review process assessing each club’s governance, financial management, player development, and operational capacity.

The board, acting on the recommendation of the management, approved the decision not to renew the Cutters’ license.

Tony Archer, PNGNRLC’s General Manager of Pathways and Participation, emphasized that the licensing system is central to maintaining professionalism and sustainability across all clubs.

“Every club is issued a license based on its ability to meet key criteria around governance, development, and operational capacity,” Archer explained.

“Although difficult, decisions like this are essential to ensure the continued growth and professionalism of our game.”

All clubs are reviewed annually under the PNGNRLC’s governance framework — part of the organization’s Strategic Plan to transform teams into pathway-driven, professionally managed entities that align with national rugby league goals.

The inclusion of the Kandes RFLC highlights PNGNRLC’s commitment to expanding rugby league’s reach, creating new pathways for emerging talent, and engaging fans across diverse provinces.

Chow added, “Our focus is on developing a stronger, sustainable competition that represents every region of Papua New Guinea. The 2026 season will be an exciting one for players, fans, and partners.”

With twelve clubs set to compete, the 2026 PNGNRLC season is shaping up to deliver another thrilling year of rugby league — driven by passion, accountability, and the promise of new beginnings.

PNGNRLC extended its gratitude to all clubs, players, sponsors, and supporters for their continued dedication to the sport, reaffirming its goal of growing rugby league as the national game for all Papua New Guineans.