A total of eight teams are going head-to-head in the Alotau mayors cup rugby league 9s tournament that started over the weekend and will end in three weeks’ time. The tournament is a pre-season for a season proper that is planned to take place this year.
Following their affiliation into Southern Confederate Zone rugby league earlier this year, Alotau rugby football league is now rolling out a preseason tournament to spark interest for season 2026.
Headed by chairman Robert Sora Bora and Vice chairman Toto Geruwaga, the competition laced off over the weekend.
Geruwaga said currently there are eight teams in the tournament. Four of the teams are competing in the men’s open division while the other four are in the U20 men’s division.
“Currently we have eight clubs with two divisions. Four teams in the A grade and four in U20 playing their pre-season round robin matches. “Two clubs are from the Western end and the rest are in the Town areas,” Geruwaga said.
The tournament brought life to the Alice Wedega Park’s rugby league oval with fans flocking in to watch.
Geruwaga said the tournament kicked off on a positive note and they look to continue building on the momentum.
“Generally, the communities are reacting positively by giving their support for their teams and we are looking forward to a great season 2026,” Geruwaga said.
He said they also presented balls to the teams to help with their gears for the tournament.
Alotau rugby football league has been going on and off in the recent years. However, following their affiliation to the PNGRFL community rugby league they are now looking to getting their house in order and be a compliant member going into the future.
