Preparations for the 6th Edition of the JS Commodity Sepik Nines Rugby League Tournament are gaining momentum in East Sepik Province, with EMTV officially coming on board as the tournament’s exclusive media partner.
Under the partnership, EMTV has secured full broadcasting and digital media rights, ensuring the JS Commodity Sepik Nines will be showcased across EMTV’s television network and online platforms, significantly expanding the tournament’s reach and impact.
The partnership was formalised today during a brief media conference held at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby, where representatives from EMTV and the JS Commodity Sepik Nines Organising Committee signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) ahead of the upcoming tournament.
Representing the East Sepik Governor’s Sports Office, Tournament Director Bradley Simon welcomed EMTV’s involvement, describing the partnership as a major milestone for rugby league development in the Sepik region.
Mr Simon said the inclusion of a national mainstream media organisation like EMTV brings credibility, visibility, and opportunity to a grassroots tournament that has become a vital platform for youth empowerment and community inclusion.
“This partnership with EMTV is a bold step forward for rugby league in the Sepik region. It will expose raw and untapped rugby league talents from across East Sepik to a national audience and create pathways for players to be identified for higher competitions, including the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup,” Simon said.
He further highlighted that the annual Sepik Nines tournament is an initiative of East Sepik Governor Hon. Allan Bird, aimed at using sport as a tool to unite communities, engage young people positively, and promote social development.
On behalf of the tournament organisers and the people of East Sepik, Mr Simon expressed his appreciation to EMTV Chief Executive Officer Sailas Matoli and the EMTV production crew who will travel to the province to deliver live and comprehensive coverage of the tournament.
Representing the Office of the EMTV CEO, Christopher Papiali thanked the Sepik Nines Organising Committee and the East Sepik Provincial Government for the partnership. He assured stakeholders that EMTV is committed to delivering in-depth, professional, and engaging coverage of the tournament.
“EMTV is proud to support a tournament that plays a crucial role in youth development and community engagement. We look forward to strengthening this partnership in the long term and telling the stories of young athletes and communities in East Sepik,” Papiali said.
Mr Simon further noted that, amid ongoing challenges such as law and order issues and social unrest in parts of the province, the Sepik Nines tournament continues to serve as a positive and inclusive platform for youths.
“Sport, especially rugby league, is a powerful tool. Through Sepik Nines, young people are being engaged in structured activities that promote discipline, teamwork, and leadership, helping steer them away from drugs, violence, and other illicit activities that hinder their personal growth and future prospects,” he said.
The partnership underscores the power of mainstream television media in transforming local sporting initiatives by amplifying their impact, inspiring youth participation, and promoting unity and pride at the provincial level.
Both parties concluded the event by signing the MoA between EMTV and JS Commodity Sepik Nines, officially confirming EMTV as the tournament’s media partner.
The JS Commodity Sepik Nines Tournament is scheduled to take place on 30–31 January at Pora Oval, East Sepik Province, and is expected to attract teams, supporters, and viewers from across the country.