The Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNG NRLC) has recognised the outstanding players, coaches, match officials and clubs from the 2026 season at the 2026 PNG NRLC Awards Night, celebrating achievements across both the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup and Santos Cup.
The annual awards brought together representatives from PNG RFL, Wan Haus partners including the PNG Chiefs, SP PNG Hunters and NRL in PNG, major sponsors, Digicel, ExxonMobil and Santos, as well as representatives from the Santos Cup and Digicel ExxonMobil Cup franchises, to acknowledge the individuals and teams who stood out throughout the 2026 season.
PNG RFL Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Hondina said the recognition reflected the hard work and commitment demonstrated throughout the 2026 season.
“Congratulations to all our award recipients on these milestone achievements. Your hard work, dedication, and commitment throughout the season have been recognised, and you should be proud of what you have accomplished. These awards are a testament to the effort you have put into improving yourselves and contributing to the growth of rugby league in Papua New Guinea.”
DIGICEL EXXONMOBIL CUP AWARDS
Top Try Scorer: Manase Watt, POM Vipers
Top Points Scorer: Mark Alunga, ENB Gurias
Rookie of the Year: Jayden Numapo, Kandes/Eagles
Coach of the Year: Roderrick Puname, Mendi Muruks
Club of the Year: Kandes RLC
Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Team of the Year
Fullback of the Year: Jeremaiah Ben, POM Vipers
Winger of the Year: Joel William, Enga Mioks
Centre of the Year: Jayden Numapo, Kandes RLC
Five Eight of the Year: Lote Kuman, Hela Wigmen
Halfback of the Year: Francis Sam, Mendi Muruks
Hooker of the Year: Benia Simon, Kandes RLC
Prop of the Year: Xavier Turi, Hela Wigmen
Second Rower of the Year: Dou Tapako, Mendi Muruks
Lock of the Year: Modekai Waim, Enga Mioks
Player of the Year: Francis Sam, Mendi Muruks
Referee of the Year: Dickson Paul
SANTOS CUP AWARDS
Top Try Scorer: Naomi Kelly, Gas Resources Central Dabaris
Top Points Scorer: Sherinda Philip, Gas Resources Central Dabaris
Rookie of the Year: Alice Alois
Coach of the Year: Ben Wemin, Moni Plus NCDC Pom Vipers
Club of the Year: ENB Gurias
Santos Cup Team of the Year
Fullback of the Year: Jasmine Joe, Pom Vipers
Winger of the Year: Alice Alois, Pom Vipers
Centre of the Year: Joyce Hobert, Pom Vipers
Five Eight of the Year: Tere Rema, Central Dabaris
Halfback of the Year: Laila Malabag, Pom Vipers
Hooker of the Year: Nisila Ravu, Central Dabaris
Prop of the Year: Winnie Steven, Central Dabaris
Second Rower of the Year: Tasha Storm, Mt. Hagen Eagles
Lock of the Year: Jaffinda Sap, Central Dabaris
Player of the Year: Jeffinda Sap, Central Dabaris
Referee of the Year: Norm Epi
PNG NRLC Chief Operating Officer, Tony Archer, also congratulated the award recipients, acknowledging the consistency, discipline and commitment required to reach the highest level of recognition in the competitions.
“Congratulations to all the award winners for your outstanding achievements throughout the 2026 season. Reaching this level of recognition requires consistency, discipline, and hard work, and each of you has demonstrated those qualities. We acknowledge and celebrate your achievements and look forward to seeing you continue to contribute to the game.”
The 2026 PNG NRLC Awards Night provides an opportunity to recognise the contribution of players, coaches, officials and clubs to the continued growth and development of rugby league in Papua New Guinea.
The PNG NRLC congratulates all award recipients and acknowledges the clubs, sponsors, match officials, staff, volunteers, and supporters who contributed to the success of the 2026 season.