Port Moresby, 14 January 2026: Port Moresby, 14th January, 2026: Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) BETTER
Development Coaching Accreditation has kicked off in Wabag, Enga Province. A total of 10 Academy
and National Competitions coaches are participating in the two-day BETTER Development Coaching
accreditation that covers safety, coaching techniques, wellbeing of players, team and data
management and basics of rugby league. As a part of ensuring a standard of coaching practice is
maintained across all PNGRFL recognised competitions, accreditation will be rolled out across the
country.
All coaching staff who are involved in PNG National Rugby League Competitions (PNGNRLC) will need
to be accredited to participate in sanctioned competitions. These competitions include Digicel
ExxonMobil Cup, Santos Cup and the National Youth Competition.
PNGRFL Facilitator for the Better Development Coaching Accreditation Sam Peterkin said the
accreditation ensure safety and a level of professionalism is maintained in the competitions that will
be hosted in areas where the accreditation program is being rolled out.
“Enga has been very welcoming to us and we are very appreciative of their hospitality. It’s been
great to deliver the BETTER development coaching course to Enga Mioks and Academy staff alike. All
participants have taken onboard the concepts and principles that are being delivered to coaches –
the basics of rugby league, attack and defence principles, how to have uncomfortable conversations
as a coach, safeguarding, risk vs. reward among other topics. On Day 2, coaches go through creating
drills fit for purpose, and learning about effective training practices before completing their final
examination.”
PNGRFL General Manager for Performance and Pathway Tony Archer stated that the accreditation is
aligned with Australian Rugby League Commission best practices to ensure we are aligned with the
global standard. Mr Archer said that by the end of the accreditation rollout a total of about 60
coaches and assistant coaches will be accredited to participate in the PNGNRLC recognized
competitions.
“This is an important in the development of the game in PNG. Ensuring that all coaches are
accredited under our new Framework is critical to the development of our players and game more
broadly. By ensuring these standards and practices are maintained within the game to ensure
compliance in our competitions. The BETTER Development Coaching accreditation allows a new
standard of practice in PNG Rugby League this is aligned with ALRC best practices for coaching. At
PNGRFL our vision is Better People, Better Sports, Better Nation, we are bettering our game for the
people of PNG and for our future generation.”
PNGRFL is aware of the challenges in PNG, including geographical hurdles, but the love for rugby
league can be found in even the most remote parts of the country. We are committed to providing
the best possible coverage. We will begin with selected areas where the PNGRFL academies are
located and expand to other areas as we proceed.
The Better Development Coaching Accreditation will run from January 12th to February 27th in Mt
Hagen, Goroka, Lae, Rabaul, and Port Moresby.