The newly sworn-in East Sepik Rugby League Board has announced plans to revive the province’s participation in the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup, with chairman John Simon outlining a vision to bring the Sepik Pride franchise back into Papua New Guinea’s premier rugby league competition.
Speaking to the media after the board’s swearing-in ceremony, Simon said establishing the board was a key step toward meeting requirements set by the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) for teams seeking entry into the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup.
Simon was joined by deputy chairman Moses Waria and Secretary Solomon Reynolds, and Treasurer Justin Matios.
Simon said he accepted the voluntary role because he wanted to see rugby league in the province rebuilt and to help restore the Sepik Pride team’s place in the national competition.
Simon said, “We have bigger plans for East Sepik Rugby League. One of the first things we needed to do was set up a board because that is one of the prerequisites required by PNG Rugby League.”
The Sepik Pride franchise previously attempted to enter the Digicel Cup but was unable to meet some of the competition’s requirements, which eventually led to the bid losing momentum.
Simon said the new board is determined to address those issues and create a strong foundation for the team’s return.
“Being on the board is not something we will make money from,” he said. “It is a voluntary job, and in many cases, we will spend our own money. But we want everyone — former administrators, current officials and people with ideas — to work together to rebuild rugby league in Sepik.”
The board plans to hold its first full meeting in the coming weeks in Wewak, where members will begin mapping out the pathway for the Sepik Pride franchise and development programs for players.
Simon said grassroots competitions, including the East Sepik Schools Rugby League, would play an important role in building a pathway for young players.
“My dream is to create a pathway for our young people. We want the next generation of players from Sepik to have opportunities to progress through rugby league and represent their province.”
He added that restoring the Sepik Pride team to the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup would help reignite community pride after earlier efforts to establish the franchise fell short.
“When the previous attempt didn’t work, it broke the hearts of many Sepiks who love rugby league,” Simon said. “But we want to see that dream finally become a reality.”
Simon said the renewed push also comes at an important time for rugby league in Papua New Guinea, with the country preparing to enter a team in the National Rugby League in the coming years.
He concluded by thanking supporters for their confidence in the new board, adding that an additional of six more board members are expected to be confirmed at the upcoming meeting.
