PNG Rugby League Unites Under 'Wan Haus' for Pawa Meri Round

The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League will bring every level of the country's elite rugby league competitions together this weekend as the 2026 Pawa Meri Round returns with a united message of support for women across PNG.

Held on August 8 and 9, this year's event carries the theme "Strong Women, Strong Families, Strong Communities", with the "Wan Haus" concept bringing together the PNG Chiefs, SP PNG Hunters, PNG National Rugby League Competition, Santos Cup National Women's Competition and NRL in PNG's League Bilong Laif program in a coordinated campaign celebrating women's achievements while highlighting issues affecting women nationwide.

PNGRFL said the annual Women in League initiative has grown into more than a celebration of female participation in rugby league, becoming a platform to encourage respect, equality and greater opportunities for women both on and off the field.

Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hondina said the meaning behind Pawa Meri extends beyond recognising female players, coaches and administrators.

He said the initiative also reflects the importance of protecting women, who continue to play a central role in families and communities throughout the country.

The game has also seen more women move into leadership positions across its national organisations. A total of 32 women now hold roles within the PNG Chiefs, SP PNG Hunters, PNGRFL and NRL in PNG, contributing to the development and administration of the sport at the highest level.

This year marks the first occasion where all national elite competitions will observe the Pawa Meri Round together under one shared commitment.

Players competing in SP Hunters matches, the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup and the Santos Cup will wear purple socks as a visible show of support and unity throughout the round.

PNG Chiefs Chief Executive Officer Lorna McPherson said women continue to make valuable contributions to rugby league across the country, from grassroots to senior leadership.

She noted that the PNG Chiefs remains a female-led organisation, with both the Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer positions currently held by women, demonstrating the value of creating pathways for women within the sport.

The PNG Hunters will also use the round to raise awareness about domestic violence through its naming rights sponsor, SP Brewery.

"Pawa Meri, meaning 'Powerful Woman,' is about more than just acknowledging our female players, coaching staff and administrators; it's about protecting the backbone of our community. By coming together as 'Wan Haus,' we promote gender equality and encourage the participation of women in our sport as one team, 'Wan Haus'," said PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hondina.

"We acknowledge the countless women nationwide who guide and champion our sport, from the locker room to the boardroom. As a female-led administration where the positions of Chairperson and CEO are currently occupied by women, the PNG Chiefs serve as a prime model of the impact of empowering and providing opportunities for women both on and off the field," said PNG Chiefs Chief Executive Officer Lorna McPherson.

"It is important that we use this platform to not only celebrate women in our sport and communities, but to also use our platform to drive awareness as well. The PNG Hunters this year, through naming rights sponsor SP Brewery, will be using this round to advocate against domestic violence, which remains a significant issue affecting many women across the country," said PNG Hunters Chief Executive Officer Scott Barker.