The Motu Koita Rugby League Association will mark a significant milestone this Saturday when its inaugural Women’s Division grand final takes centre stage at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby.

The Bese Eagles Women will take on the Porebada Bulldogs Women at 11am, with both sides competing for the first-ever Women’s Division premiership title in the association’s competition.

The Bese Eagles head into the decider undefeated and will be looking to cap off an impressive season by claiming the historic title.

Bese Eagles captain Jeriga Seona said she was proud of her team’s progress, crediting discipline and cooperation as key factors behind their success.

“I am very proud of the girls and how far they have come. Most of the players I have fielded did not have previous experience in rugby league, but discipline, cooperation and attentiveness have been important in helping the team perform well,” she said.

Seona brings valuable experience to the side, having previously played for the Hanuabada Hawks in the Port Moresby Rugby League competition before progressing to the Santos Cup with the Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers in 2024 and 2025.

She said the team had been focusing on improving its ball-handling skills during preparations for Saturday's grand final, particularly to build confidence among players who are still developing their game.

On the opposing side, Porebada Bulldogs Women captain Boio Gari said she was proud of her teammates for earning their place in the grand final and encouraged them to maintain their efforts.

“I am proud of my teammates for their efforts, which have earned us a place in the grand final. I hope we maintain the same effort on Saturday, especially against an undefeated Bese side led by an experienced player,” Gari said.

A MILESTONE FOR WOMEN’S RUGBY LEAGUE

Motu Koita Rugby League Association President Aurthur Patrick said the introduction of the Women’s Division had been a long-standing ambition for the association, providing an opportunity for women from Motu Koita villages to participate in organised rugby league.

“This has always been a topic of discussion. We have always wanted to include a Women’s Division so talents from our local Motu Koita villages could participate, and this year that dream came to fruition,” Patrick said.

He said the association had faced challenges, particularly around sponsorship and resources, but the decision to introduce the division gained momentum following the association’s seventh grand final playoffs last year.

Patrick said the association's patron, National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop, had challenged the management to include a Women’s Division, reinforcing its commitment to creating opportunities for women in line with PNGRFL’s investment in the development of women’s rugby league across the country.

He said the response had been encouraging, with a number of previously untapped talents coming forward to showcase their abilities throughout the regular season and into the finals.

“One thing that keeps me going is creating a platform for girls in the villages to play rugby league and potentially secure a valuable future if they progress further in their playing journey,” he said.

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPETITION

Now heading into its eighth grand final, the Motu Koita Rugby League Association competition features 18 teams across the Under-20 and A-Grade Men’s divisions, with four teams competing in the inaugural Women’s Division.

Patrick said the competition had continued to run smoothly, with clubs and players demonstrating respect and discipline throughout the season, while village communities had remained supportive, particularly during the finals.

The association draws participation from several Motu Koita villages across the Central Province and National Capital District.

Teams from the Hiri West area include Buria Reds from Lealea, Hiri Wests and Kou Roosters from Kouderika, Porebada Bulldogs and Kido, which joined the competition this year.

In the National Capital District, participating villages include Kilakila, represented by Kauka Blacks; Mahuru Village, represented by Mahuru Koita Warriors; Baruni; Tatana; and Hanuabada.

The association has also received an expression of interest from Gabagaba Gaigais in the Hiri East area, with the club indicating its intention to join the competition next season.

To strengthen the standard and organisation of the competition, Patrick said management had decided to reduce the number of participating teams from 18 to 14 from next season.

GRAND FINAL MATCH SCHEDULE AND TICKETS

Three grand finals will be played at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium this Saturday, with the Women’s Division opening proceedings at 11am, followed by the Under-20 and A-Grade Men’s grand finals.

The match schedule is as follows:

Game 1 – Women’s Division (11:00am): Bese Eagles Women v Porebada Bulldogs Women

Game 2 – Under-20 Division (1:00pm): MGF Bloods v Mahuru Koita Warriors

Game 3 – A-Grade Men’s Division (3:00pm): Buria Reds v RH Pirates Cowboys

Tickets will be available at the gate, with adults paying K5 and children under the age of 12 paying K2.

GRAND FINAL PRIZE MONEY

The association has announced the following prize allocations for Saturday’s grand finals:

Women’s Division: Winners receive the premiership cup and K4,000, while runners-up receive K2,000.

Under-20 Men’s Division: Winners receive K6,000, while runners-up receive K3,000.

A-Grade Men’s Division: Winners receive the premiership cup and K10,000, while runners-up receive K7,000.

Patrick congratulated all clubs that have qualified for Saturday’s grand finals and encouraged supporters to turn out in numbers to support their respective teams in a friendly and respectful manner.

He also acknowledged the association’s patron, Governor Powes Parkop, and its major sponsors for their continued support and contribution towards the successful delivery of the competition throughout the season.