The PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) has successfully concluded the 2026 Santos Cup Football Conference, centred on the theme “EMPOWER: Better Building Blocks.”
The conference, held from May 19th to 21st, 2026, brought together team managers and performance staff to align on a revitalized strategy for the upcoming women’s national competition.
Reflecting on feedback from the 2025 season, the 2026 season introduces critical structural improvements aimed at enhancing player welfare and professional standards.
Key upgrades include extending the competition to a 10-week format (8 weeks of regular season and 2 weeks of finals) and increasing the preseason duration to 6 weeks to ensure optimal match fitness and preparation.
The conference facilitated intensive sessions focused on elevating the professional environment for female athletes, with major outcomes centered around enhanced medical and safety standards, as well as greater structural professionalism through a refined player tiering and points system to ensure transparency in contracts and payments.
Staff roles have also been professionalized, with mandatory accreditation requirements for coaches and medical personnel.
This also places emphasis on female education and accreditation pathways for game day officials and medical personnel to ensure female athletes receive NRL-level medical treatment and welfare support during competition.
The initiative is designed to empower women and those involved in the Santos Cup by strengthening skill sets, enhancing professional development opportunities, and building the capacity of officials to better deliver and support the game at all levels of rugby league.
PNGRFL Women’s Rugby League Manager Urith Toa, said the conference also featured training for Team Managers on MySideline system, Hudl, and an AFS Sports Medical Trainer Course for performance staff made up of Sports Medical Trainers, Physiotherapists and Strength and Conditioning Coach.
“The conference allowed dialogue with our Santos Cup team managers but most importantly aligned them with PNGRFL standards by focusing on these ‘Better Building Blocks’,” said Ms. Toa.
“This is more than a competition; we are building a sustainable pathway for women in rugby league.”
Meanwhile PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Stanley Hondina, said the conference outcomes reflect the organisation’s commitment to creating stronger foundations for women’s rugby league in Papua New Guinea.
The Santos Cup continues to grow as a premier pathway for female athletes in Papua New Guinea.
“Through initiatives like this conference, we are strengthening the systems, standards and support structures around our players and staff to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of women’s rugby league,” said Mr. Hondina.
The 2026 Santos Cup is scheduled to kick off on July 11th-12th, 2026, following the commencement of the paid preseason on June 1st.
