THE Central Dabaris have claimed back-to-back Santos Cup premierships, defeating Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers 16-12 in a thrilling 2026 Santos Cup Grand Final at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Sunday.
The grand final capped another successful Santos Cup season, with the competition continuing to create opportunities for women and girls across Papua New Guinea while showcasing the country’s emerging rugby league talent.
The match highlighted the quality and depth of the competition, with the Central Dabaris drawing on their experience to overcome a determined Vipers side in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
Santos Managing Director and CEO Kevin Gallagher congratulated the Central Dabaris on their outstanding grand final victory and all six teams for their commitment throughout the season.
“At Santos, we are proud that the Santos Cup has become more than a competition. It is a platform that is creating opportunities for women and girls, developing future leaders and providing a pathway for athletes to progress from local rugby league to the Junior Orchids, PNG Orchids and the international stage,” Mr Gallagher said.
“What we’re seeing now is the long-term impact of sustained investment in women’s sport. The Santos Cup is helping talented athletes realise their potential while strengthening communities and inspiring the next generation of players across Papua New Guinea,” he added.
Santos PNG Country Chair Leon Buskens congratulated both teams on their thrilling grand final performance and acknowledged the contribution of everyone involved in making the season a success.
“Congratulations to Central Dabaris on an outstanding championship performance and to Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers on a remarkable season. Both teams have demonstrated the commitment, talent and resilience that continue to drive the growth of women’s rugby league in Papua New Guinea,” Mr Buskens said.
Now in its third season, the Santos Cup has become a cornerstone of women’s rugby league in Papua New Guinea, helping players progress from local competition to representative pathways.
“As we look ahead to next month’s Rugby League World Cup, we’re already seeing the impact of the competition, with Santos Cup players and coaches earning representative honours and inspiring the next generation of Papua New Guinean athletes,” Buskens said.
Buskins added that the success of the Santos Cup reflects what can be achieved through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to the future of the game.
“We thank PNG Rugby Football League, PacificAus Sports, KMHL, Digicel, our fellow sponsors and partners, team management, volunteers, families and supporters for helping make the 2026 season another outstanding success,” he said.
“Most importantly, we congratulate every player who took the field this season. Your dedication, sportsmanship and passion are helping shape the future of women’s rugby league in Papua New Guinea. Santos is proud to support that journey, and we look forward to an even bigger and better Santos Cup in 2027,” Mr Buskins stated.
Five players and two coaches earned selection to represent Papua New Guinea at the Harvey Norman Rising Talent Invitational in Australia, highlighting the competition’s growing contribution to elite player development.