The Papua New Guinea Defence Force is looking to use the Commander’s Cup rugby tournament as more than just a competition, with plans to rebuild sporting pathways for soldiers and potentially produce future national representatives.

PNGDF Commander Rear Admiral Philip Polewara says the tournament provides an important opportunity for personnel to come together after spending long periods deployed across the country and overseas.

He says sport is helping strengthen the bond within the force while also supporting the wellbeing of soldiers.

“We've come through a very hard time. We've been deployed throughout the country for operations overseas, and we didn't look back at our wellbeing,” Rear Admiral Polewara said.

“These are some of the opportunities that present to us to come together as a force. It's not only just a game, but it's bonding, bringing the force together.”

Rear Admiral Polewara says the PNGDF has a long history of producing athletes who have represented the country, and he wants to see that tradition restored.

He recalled former Defence personnel who became national sporting icons, including rugby union players and track and field athletes.

He says the current generation of soldiers could also have the potential to represent PNG at the national level if given the opportunity.

“Can my men and women make some of these our legends again? Not only for the Defence Force, but on the national team, represent our country,” he said.

The Commander says the Defence Force has some of the fittest personnel in the country, but their operational responsibilities often limit their involvement in competitive sport.

He says the PNGDF is now looking at establishing a permanent 15-a-side rugby union team as well as a rugby sevens team following the Commander’s Cup.

The teams would compete in domestic competitions while also preparing for regional Defence sporting events, including competitions involving Pacific Defence forces.

Rear Admiral Polewara says the sporting programme can also contribute to strengthening PNG's international and bilateral relations.

“We have to prepare for both sides, because we have to increase our bilateral relations,” he said.

Meanwhile, he says the Commander’s Cup has also demonstrated the importance of teamwork and leadership, values that directly apply to military operations.

He says success on the field depends on every individual understanding their responsibility, supporting their teammates, and following the coach's plan.

Rear Admiral Polewara also stressed that discipline starts with individual responsibility.

“It's not only like not to dress properly. These are some of the things that make them individually. They can take it as their own individual responsibility to look after themselves and discipline themselves,” he said.

He says self-leadership is the foundation for leading others, teams, and organisations.

The Commander has also praised the tournament's organisation and the support provided by rugby officials, including referees who are not PNGDF personnel.

With the defending champions, 1134 Igam Crocs, among the teams competing, Rear Admiral Polewara says he will not single out a team to win the tournament.

“As the Commander of the Defence Force, all teams are mine,” he said.

He says the priority is for the tournament to run smoothly, with teams accepting the result and respecting the rules once a winner is decided.

“When it comes to the tournament winners, it's everybody. Everybody won,” Rear Admiral Polewara said.

He says the Commander’s Cup should ultimately leave the PNGDF stronger, more united, and with a renewed pathway for soldiers with sporting ability to represent the Defence Force and potentially the country.