A rural talent identification program in Papua New Guinea’s Gulf province is creating new opportunities for young women and girls in rugby league, following a successful initiative held in Moveave Village.
The Cathy Neap Rural Talent Identification Program, delivered at Terapo Primary School in Malalaua District, brought together communities along the Taure and Lakekamu Rivers to identify emerging female rugby league talent while promoting confidence, leadership and life skills through sport.
Supported by a grant from the Australian Government’s Team Up Program in partnership with the International Olympic Committee’s Olympism365 strategy, the initiative has completed its first rural talent identification phase in Gulf Province.
The program combines exhibition matches and trial games with structured talent identification sessions aimed at uncovering promising players from remote communities.
A total of 23 girls from surrounding villages participated alongside 18 women and girls, one male participant, and two women officials who travelled from Port Moresby to support the program.
The event also received backing from the Head Teacher of Terapo Primary School and the President of the Mailover Rugby League Association, highlighting strong local involvement.
Six standout players, aged between 18 and 23, were identified for their performance across key areas including skill, speed, discipline, teamwork, and determination.
They will now travel to Port Moresby for further development opportunities, training and exposure.
As part of the transition to elite pathways, the selected players will receive support including life skills training, accommodation assistance for five months, medical check-ups, and small business support to help with living costs while pursuing rugby league careers.
Program founder and NRL in PNG Country Manager Cathy Neap, said the initiative is designed to go beyond sport and build long-term opportunities for young women.
“This program is about empowering young women and girls through sport, helping them build confidence, courage, and belief in themselves,” Neap said.
“There is so much untapped talent in our rural communities, and these girls deserve opportunities to reach their full potential.”
Neap also acknowledged the support of the Play for Equity grant through the Team Up Program and Olympism365 strategy, saying it had been essential in delivering the initiative.
The program has already begun to make an impact in participating communities, encouraging greater female participation in sport and strengthening community engagement across the region.
One of the selected players, Gulf province athlete Mary Sauka, said she was proud to have earned an opportunity to continue her rugby league journey in the capital.
“I am very happy to be selected to go to Port Moresby to play rugby league and hopefully one day play in the Santos Cup,” Sauka said.
Neap said she now hopes to expand the program to other regions of the country, providing ongoing support which can be secured.
“I look forward to travelling to other regions of Papua New Guinea to scout and identify talent,” she said.
“Most importantly, I need continued funding and support to keep doing what I love- empowering young women and girls through sport, inspiring them to realize their full potential, and helping them reach the highest level possible.”
The success of the Gulf province program highlights growing momentum behind rural sports development initiatives aimed at creating sustainable pathways for women and girls in Papua New Guinea.
