As a lead up for the proposed Women’s Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup to run in 2025-2026 and in preparation for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, the 2023 National Women’s Championship has embarked on a new format and stand-alone tournament. The two-week tournament is part of a long-term plan to establish a National Competition for women in the country and is driven by the PNGRFL’s High Performance unit and the PNG National Rugby League Competition and began on Sunday 20 August, with participants arriving in Port Moresby, from the four (4) regions. The rugby league tournament for women, has been showcasing the top performing female talent from the 4 confederates, Southern, Northern, Highlands and New Guinea Islands. The championships highlights the pathway and opportunity for female rugby league players in the PNGRFL system, to be selected for the Junior PNG Orchids or Senior Orchids programs. The two-week tournament, has also exposed teams to opportunities for proper rehab and recovery practices under the guidance of the PNGRFL High Performance team as well as Wellbeing sessions with the NRL in PNG and Queen Pads. Coaches and Trainers had sessions under PNGRFL Coaching Development Manager, Joe Grima, as well as sessions with QRL Physical Performance Director, John Mitchell. Meanwhile, Southern region is leading the ladder as of Round 2 with 4 pints, Highlands & Northern on 2 points each and trailing behind with nil is NGI. The Championship is now into Round 3 of its matches. Below are the results so far: Round 1 | Wednesday 30 August Southern 12 def Northern 08 Player of the Match: Jaylyntha Kama (Southern) Highlands 20 def NGI 12 Player of the Match: Delailah Ahose (Highlands) Round 2 | Sunday 27 August Northern 14 def Highlands 12 Player of the Match: Charity Emika (Northern) Southern 18 def NGI 10 Player of the Match: Bertshiba Awoi (Southern) Coming Up, Round 3, who will determine who makes it to the Grand Final, Sunday 3 September 2023, to play the curtain raiser to the 2023 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup. Round 3 | Wednesday 30 August 10am NGI v Northern 12pm Southern v Highlands