Westpac PNG has congratulated the PNG Indigenous team following an impressive campaign at the recent 2026 National Indigenous Cricket Championships (NICC) in Mackay, Australia.
Papua New Guinea claimed the NICC Men’s Spirit of Cricket Award and several players received individual honours throughout the tournament.
The championships were held on Yuwibara Country from April 14–19, featuring men’s and women’s T20 competitions at Great Barrier Reef Arena and Harrup Park. Papua New Guinea took part in the men’s division as an invitational side for the first time, while four PNG Lewas players also represented South Australia’s women’s team during the event.
PNG’s performances highlighted the country’s growing cricket talent and the team’s commitment to sportsmanship and discipline ahead of upcoming international fixtures.
Among the major achievements, Papua New Guinea received the NICC Men’s Spirit of Cricket Award, while Tony Ura was named Men’s Player of the Championship and selected in the Men’s Team of the Championship. Henao Thomas earned selection in the Women’s Team of the Championship, while Michael Charlie received the Westpac Player of the Round award for Round Two.
Several PNG players also secured Westpac Player of the Match honours during the competition:
- Round 1 vs Queensland – Tony Ura
- Round 2 vs Tasmania – Michael Charlie
- Round 4 vs South Australia – Sese Bau
- Round 5 vs Northern Territory – Hila Vare
- Round 7 vs Tasmania – Tony Ura
PNG recorded a series of strong performances during the week, including back-to-back victories in rounds four and five to remain unbeaten midway through the tournament. The competition also served as important preparation for upcoming international assignments, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in Japan.
Chief Executive of Westpac PNG, Andrew Cairns, said the bank was proud to see the PNG Indigenous team recognised for both its performances and sportsmanship.
“We’re proud to see the PNG Indigenous team recognised for both performance and sportsmanship at the NICC. Congratulations to the players and staff, especially those who received Westpac match awards throughout the tournament,” Cairns said.
Cricket PNG High Performance Manager and Head Coach Tim McCaskill said the tournament provided valuable preparation for future competitions.
“The Spirit of Cricket award reflects the standards we set for ourselves as a group, and the individual honours are a credit to the players’ hard work,” McCaskill said.
The team has since returned to Port Moresby and resumed preparations for upcoming fixtures and tournament commitments.
The participation of the PNG Indigenous team and PNG Lewas players was supported through the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports program, which helps Pacific athletes, coaches and officials access elite competition and high-performance opportunities.
