PRIME Minister Hon. James Marape has congratulated Fiji Bulikula and Toa Samoa on their convincing victories over the PNG Orchids and PNG Kumuls in today’s Rugby League World Cup matches in Port Moresby, saying that despite Papua New Guinea’s defeats, rugby league and Pacific friendship were the ultimate winners.
Fiji Bulikula defeated the PNG Orchids 40–4 in the women’s match, while Toa Samoa recorded a 64–6 victory over the PNG Kumuls in the men’s encounter at Santos National Football Stadium.
Prime Minister Marape congratulated both visiting teams on their outstanding performances while commending Papua New Guinea’s national teams for representing their country with pride and determination.
“I congratulate our Pacific neighbours, Fiji and Samoa, on their convincing victories today. Both teams played exceptionally well, and we acknowledge their achievements and the spirit in which they competed,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“I equally commend our PNG Orchids and PNG Kumuls for their efforts in representing our country.
“Winning and losing are part of sport. We must learn from our defeats, identify areas for improvement and come back stronger in future competitions.
“At the end of the day, rugby league is the winner because it brings our Pacific family together through healthy competition, friendship and mutual respect.”
Prime Minister Marape particularly acknowledged Fiji Bulikula’s historic achievement in recording their first victory at a Women’s Rugby League World Cup.
He said the matches highlighted the growing strength of rugby league across the Pacific and the importance of continued international competition in developing players and strengthening national teams.
“Our Pacific nations share deep cultural and historical connections, and sport provides another important avenue for strengthening these relationships,” he said.
“We compete fiercely on the field, but once the final whistle blows, we remain brothers and sisters of one Pacific family.
“Rugby league brings our people, cultures and communities together. It gives our players an opportunity to compete at the highest level while allowing spectators and supporters to enjoy the spectacle of international sport.”
Prime Minister Marape thanked the visiting Fijian and Samoan teams, officials and supporters for travelling to Papua New Guinea and expressed hope that they had enjoyed the country’s hospitality.
“We warmly welcome our Fijian and Samoan brothers and sisters and hope they have enjoyed their time in Port Moresby and the hospitality of our people,” he said.
“We look forward to welcoming them back to Papua New Guinea for future rugby league matches, other sporting competitions and visits.
“This is what our Pacific family is all about — competing in the true spirit of sportsmanship while strengthening the bonds of friendship, respect and goodwill between our nations.”
Prime Minister Marape said the experience gained by Papua New Guinea’s national teams would be valuable as the country continued strengthening its rugby league development pathways.
He said the upcoming entry of the PNG Chiefs into the National Rugby League competition in 2028, together with aspirations for greater participation by Papua New Guinean women in professional rugby league, represented an exciting new chapter for the sport.
“As we prepare for the PNG Chiefs to enter the NRL in 2028 and look towards greater opportunities for our women in rugby league, we must continue building stronger teams and developing our young talent,” he said.
“These international matches provide important lessons and experience for our players, coaches and administrators.
“We must use these opportunities to improve our standards and prepare ourselves for greater challenges ahead.
“Sport is not simply about winning or losing. It is about bringing people together, building friendships, celebrating our cultures and creating opportunities for future generations.”
Prime Minister Marape thanked the players, coaching staff, match officials, organisers and spectators for contributing to the day’s rugby league spectacle.
“Congratulations once again to Fiji and Samoa, and well done to our PNG Orchids and PNG Kumuls.
“We may have lost on the scoreboard today, but the spirit of Pacific unity, friendship and sportsmanship remains strong.
“We are one Pacific family, and rugby league brings us together.”