KANDES MADANG HOME GROUND IN DOUBT AS PNGNRL SET TO KICK OFF SEASON 2026

Decision on Madang, the home of Kandes rugby league club hosting a Papua New Guinea National Rugby League competition match is pending as the competition is set to kick off this weekend.

This was made known by PNGRFL General Manager Pathways and Performance, Tony Archer yesterday in Port Moresby.

Archer confirmed that with the home and away format, Kande will have their home games played in Madang but he did not specify if the facility is up to standard for the match.

This will see Kandes first home game scheduled to take place at Ron Albert Oval in Madang been moved to Lae Rugby League ground.

“It is a very important part of the national footprint and the board recognised that during the entry of the Kandes and they will certainly play in Madang when the field is ready.”

He added that this year will be an exciting year building on what PNGRFL have done in the last couple of years and the improvement they look to make this year.

“For a new side to enter this year it’s really exciting for the game as we continue to grow,” Archer said.

“We will be able to provide a more spectacular year, most importantly for our fans and for our players to put their best foot forward. But most importantly for our fans that we’ll be able to connect with them across the country.”

He added that with the Chiefs going into the NRL it also brings in excitement to the local competition.

“It just builds the excitement. Obviously 2028 season with the Chiefs entering the competition will be historical moment for PNG Understanding that, the part of Chiefs to enter that competition is what we built as the Sport that unites the nation and that showcases that at the very elite level,” Archer said.

The competition will kick off this Sunday across five venues in the country.