The Papua New Guine Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) and the rugby community in PNG mourns and celebrates the life and legacy of late Graham Leslie Osborne, who passed away at the age of 77 in Australia on Friday 8th November 2024, after a long illness.
Mr. Osborne passed away in Brisbane surrounded by family and loved ones, after a long illness.
PNGRFL Board Chairman Sandis Tsaka shared, “We have lost a great servant and passionate advocate of our game, and I cannot begin to highlight the immense contributions he has made to our sport to bring it to where it is now. Mr. Osborne has served the game since
2014 and has been one of the most active and influential members of the PNGRFL Board. His heart was always to serve the game for the better. He was a great friend and mentor to many of us and we will miss his counsel and guidance.”
Graham Leslie Osborne, originally from New Zealand, relocated to Papua New Guinea in 1995. Over the years, he has played significant roles in various industries within PNG. His notable contributions include dedicated service to the PNG Sports Foundation, Rugby
Union, and most notably, the SP PNG Hunters.
PNGRFL CEO, Stanley Hondina also emphasized that Mr. Osborne’s contribution opened up opportunities for the game including one of his milestones, was seeing the SP PNG Hunters successfully enter into the then Queensland Rugby League’s (QRL) Intrust Super Cup and to lead the team as the Chairman of the club when they won their first ever premiership in 2017.”
Mr. Hondina stressed that Mr. Osborne played a pivotal role in advancing rugby league in Papua New Guinea. One of his significant achievements was overseeing the successful entry of the SP PNG Hunters into the Queensland Rugby League’s (QRL) Intrust Super Cup.
As the club’s Chairman, he led them to their historic first-ever premiership victory in 2017.
Hondina added, “The rugby league family is at a loss with his passing, and I know that there are many who will be reminiscing on the work, services and kindness that he showed towards everyone in the game.”
In expressing his condolences, Tsaka conveyed heartfelt sentiments on behalf of the PNGRFL Board, Management, staff, players, officials, partners, and the entire rugby league family across the country including his immediate family.
“We mourn the loss of late colleague, who was a father figure to many. His positive impact extended beyond sports, touching the lives of those close to him. The PNG LNG Kumuls and the Santos PNG Orchids will honor Director Osborne by wearing black armbands on Sunday as a tribute to his services and love for the country and its people.