PNG’s biggest domestic sporting competition just got bigger, thanks to Kumul Minerals Holdings Limited (KMHL). The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) announced a 5-year sponsorship agreement worth K15 million with Kumul Minerals Holdings Limited (KMHL) to be Platinum Partner of the National Rugby League Competition (NRLC) for men and women. The NRLC is the competition that runs the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup and this year for the first time, will run a National Women’s Competition through six of the current franchises including the Rabaul Gurias, Lae Tigers, Mt. Hagen Eagles, Goroka Lahanis, Port Moresby Vipers and the Central Dabaris. These franchises were selected following a Club audit of the 12 existing NRLC franchises in line with the Club Professionalism pillar of the PNGRFL’s NRLC 5-year strategic plan (2023-2027). The expansion of the Competition will be subject to further compliance requirements. KMHL’s sponsorship of K3,000,000 per year for the next 5 years (2024-2028) will support both the NRLC male and female competitions operational and management costs, and also go towards the inaugural National Women’s Competition slated to begin in July. Chairman for KMHL, Dr. Illa Temu, said Kumul Minerals is happy to partner with PNG’s national sport through a competition that supports and empowers both men and women. “We are excited to partner with the PNGRFL for the first time as it continues to build the domestic competition, and now with the introduction of a National Women’s Competition, this provides a great opportunity for our women and girls, and augurs well for an international pathway.” CEO for PNGRFL, Stanley Hondina, said this partnership with KMHL was timely and would not only support our marquee domestic male competition, but also would provide seed funding to begin our National Women’s Competition. “We actually set 2025 to start the National Women’s Competition but we’ve managed to bring it in a year earlier due to great cooperation with the franchises, among other factors, and this support from KMHL will really assist us.” “On behalf of Chairman Sandis Tsaka and the Board, we sincerely thank Dr. Temu and the team at KMHL for believing in what we’re doing at PNGRFL and are thankful for the long-term partnership.” Kumul Minerals’ vision is to be a world-class mineral resource company that delivers value to its shareholders, stakeholders, and the nation. KMHL’s mission is to develop and operate its mineral assets in a sustainable, responsible, and profitable manner.