Papua New Guinea’s emerging rugby league talent will take centre stage this weekend when the National Youth Competition (NYC) Grand Final is showcased as part of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Amazing Round at Santos National Football Stadium.
The Under-19 Male Grand Final will see the Central Dabaris take on the Port Moresby Vipers on Sunday morning, providing a platform for some of the country's most promising young players to compete on one of rugby league’s biggest stages.
The championship match has been included as a key feature of the expanded Amazing Round program, which will also host all six Digicel ExxonMobil Cup fixtures. The initiative aims to highlight both the current stars of the game and the next generation of talent progressing through Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League’s (PNGRFL) development system.
Among the players expected to make an impact is Port Moresby Vipers fullback David Sevara, who enters the decider as the competition’s leading try-scorer with five tries from five matches. For the Central Dabaris, versatile outside back and edge player David Taraka will be one to watch after producing a standout hat-trick performance in the preliminary final to help secure his side’s place in the grand final.
PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hondina said the decision to stage the youth grand final during Amazing Round underscores the organisation’s commitment to developing future rugby league stars.
“Many of these players have come through the PNGRFL Academy and National Youth Competition pathway, where they have been exposed to a structured development program designed to help them grow as athletes and individuals,” Hondina said.
“The Grand Final is an opportunity for them to demonstrate the skills, discipline and commitment they have developed throughout that process.”
Hondina said the National Youth Competition continues to play a vital role in preparing young athletes for higher levels of the game.
“By staging the Grand Final during the Amazing Round, we are giving these young athletes the opportunity to experience a premier rugby league event and showcase their talent in front of a national audience,” he said.
“The pathway from junior rugby league through to the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup and beyond is an important part of our game. Events like this demonstrate the opportunities available to young players who are committed to developing their skills and pursuing their rugby league aspirations.”
The National Youth Competition has become an important component of the PNGRFL development framework, providing elite competition opportunities for young players from across the country while preparing them for representative and senior club football.
Additional information on the National Youth Competition Grand Final, participating teams and related activities is expected to be released through the competition’s official social media channels throughout the week.
