The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Hondina, praised the efforts of the six (6) teams who participated in the inaugural National Women’s Competition, the Santos Cup, for their enthusiasm and commitment to the seven (7) week competition. “In a year of firsts, we as the PNGRFL are excited to see the talent and the elevation of the women’s game through the Santos Cup.” “The ladies have played their hearts out over the first five (5) weeks of competition, and we commend their performances and grit through this first season.” “I thank the East New Britain Gurias Women’s Team and the Mt. Hagen Eagles Women’s team their style of game and their contribution and participation this year, they will no doubt be back next year as better teams.” The Santos Cup regular season ended on the Saturday 31st August, seeing the Central Dabaris finish at the top of the ladder and the Lae Snax Tigers, Goroka Lahanis and Port Moresby Vipers following as 2nd, 3rd and 4th placed respectively. The Central Dabaris defeated the Port Moresby Vipers, 10 – 6 in a close match, whilst the Goroka Lahanis took out the Lae Snax Tigers, 12 – 6 at the Santos National Football Stadium, Sunday 8th September 2024. “I take this time to congratulate the Central Dabaris and the Goroka Lahanis, who will face off in the first ever Santos Cup Grand Final next Sunday.” “Your efforts and that of your staff and franchise, has paid dividends, seeing you make this Grand Final.” “You are the prides of your province. We look forward to seeing you take the field before your male counter parts in the “Big Dance” and wish you the best in your preparations.” The PNGRFL CEO, also expressed his gratitude towards the partners of the game who have invested and driven the women’s game to this milestone year. “We are indebted to the support of Santos, the Australian Government through PacificAus Sport, Kumul Mineral Holding Limited and Digicel, whose investments into women’s rugby league has seen the game evolve exponentially in the last four (4) years.” Hondina also congratulated the Kroton Hela Wigmen and Wamp Nga Mt. Hagen Eagles the on their progression to the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup’s 2024 Grand Final and thanked the teams for their commitment to the season. “The Digicel ExxonMobil Cup has grown leaps and bounds this year with the capture of data and proper monitoring.” “We are excited to see these two teams who have risen to the top, take the field next Sunday. Congratulation to the Eagles and the Wigmen and wish both teams the best.” The Kroton Hela Wigmen defeated the KMHL Enga Mioks, 20 – 12 in front of a packed Santos National Football Stadium for their Preliminary Final clash. The Central Dabaris will play the Goroka Lahanis on Sunday 15th September for the 2024 Santos Cup, ahead of the Kroton Hela Wigmen and Wamp Nga Mt. Hagen Eagle Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Grand Final at the Santos National Football Stadium.