THE Gas Resources Central Dabaris Women are the minor premiers of the 2026 Santos Cup after 8 weeks of competition. In a historic moment for women’s rugby league PNG, the team was presented for the first time, the Ruth Waram Minor Premiership Shield.
The shield is named in honor of Ruth Waram, the inaugural Chairlady of the Santos PNG Orchids, whose pioneering leadership and dedication helped lay the foundation for the growth of the women’s game at the international level.
“Awarding the Ruth Waram Minor Premiership Shield is a significant milestone for the Santos Cup,” said Adrian Chow, Chairman of the PNG NRLC. “It not only recognizes the consistency and excellence of Dabaris side throughout the regular season but also pays tribute to a woman who has been instrumental in the journey of the PNG Orchids.”
The Santos Cup, PNG’s national women’s rugby league competition, has seen an exceptional level of talent and competition in its third year. The crowning of the minor premiers marks the beginning of an exciting finals series as teams vie for the ultimate prize, the 2026 Santos Cup Premiership.
Cathy Neap, Head coach of the Gas Resources Dabaris Women when awarded the Minor Premiership said w inning the Minor Premiership is a special achievement for our team and a reflection of the hard work, commitment and consistency the girls have shown throughout the season.
“We are proud of what the Central Dabaris have achieved, but we know there is still work to be done as we continue to focus on the bigger goal ahead. May this achievement boost the women in Rugby League in Central province. It’s not just about winning but it’s about being able to make better choices to become better every day,” she said.
The Gas Resources Central Dabaris will take on the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis Women in the Santos Cup Semi Finals next week, whilst the Moni Plus NCDC Pom Vipers take on the Lae Snax Tigers Women for the opportunity to meet at the 2026 Santos Cup Grand Final.
Inaugural Chairperson of the Santos PNG Orchids Ms Ruth Waram, said women’s rugby league in PNG has come a long way, and I am incredibly honoured to have this shield named after me, recognising my contribution to the development of women’s rugby league in PNG, in my capacity then as the inaugural chair of the PNG Orchids.
“I hope it inspires current and future generations of female players to dream big, work hard and continue raising the standard of the game across the country. I also want to thank Oil Search, now Santos, for the incredible support to the development of the women’s game,” she added.
The Santos Cup is the premier national women’s rugby league competition in Papua New Guinea, supported by the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) through partnerships with naming rights partners, Santos, as well PacificAus Sports, Kumul Minerals Holdings Limited and Digicel.
The competition aims to provide a professional pathway for female athletes and further elevate the status of women’s rugby league across the nation.