10 March 2025
A Junior Kumuls development camp, held on March 7 and 8, 2025 in Papua New Guinea (PNG), provided 25 local young athletes with a high-performance training experience designed to enhance their skills, offer specialist coaching and create opportunities for engagement.
The initiative aimed to help the next generation of rugby league players reach their full potential and build a strong future for the sport in PNG.
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) and National Rugby League (NRL) led the charge, supporting the camp with coaching expertise and logistical assistance. As part of its commitment, the ADF provided accommodation for the athletes attending the program in Port Moresby, as well as transport for some participants via a Spartan aircraft based in Port Moresby.
Specialist ADF rugby league coaching staff also worked alongside Head of Elite Pathways coach and NRL guru, Joey Grima, to deliver high-quality training.
Warrant Officer Class 2 Michael Allison, one of the ADF coaches at the Junior Kumuls development camp, praised the talent and dedication of PNG’s young rugby league players.
“One of the biggest things I noticed was the toughness, skill and speed that the PNG players have,” Warrant Officer Allison said.
“I didn’t know what to expect coming into this camp but I quickly noticed their discipline – turning up on time, wearing the uniform correctly and staying focused. Some of these young men will go on to play for the Senior Kumuls side and perhaps even in the NRL.
“They knew what was at stake and they were committed.”
The enthusiasm for rugby league in PNG was unmistakable and discussions surrounding an NRL PNG team only fuelled the excitement.
Among the athletes who benefited from the initiative was Joseph Kora from Chimney Province, who shared his experience and aspirations.
“To be part of this was really a brilliant opportunity for me as a young boy,” Joseph said.
“Rugby league has been very important to us, and it was a privilege to take part in this program.
“I started playing in grade eight, and from there, I was selected to represent my school and eventually my country as a Junior Kumul.
“Last year, I played as a Junior Kumul, and my dream is to one day be a Senior Kumul. Camps like this help us develop our skills and learn from others so we get better at the game.”
The Junior Kumuls development camp was part of the broader ADF Pacific Sports Program, which took place in Port Moresby from 3 to 8 March 2025, in collaboration with the NRL, AFL, Sports Medicine Australia, and the Federation of International Touch Football.
The program offered internationally accredited coaching, referee training, sports trainer certification, first aid education, healthy lifestyle guidance and strength and conditioning programs to over 360 participants.
Aligning with the Pacific ‘Step-Up’ objectives and the Australian Government’s ‘Team Up’ initiative, this effort emphasised sustained sporting engagement rather than one-off activities. Given rugby league's status as PNG’s national sport, this investment in grassroots and junior player development strengthened PNG’s sporting pathways, from community participation to elite competition.
