Royals down Hawks to claim Madang rugby league title
The Royals are the new men’s A-Grade champions of Madang Rugby League, outlasting the Hawks 20-16 in a bruising grand final at Ron Albert Oval on Sunday.
Backed by sponsors Easi Logistics, the Royals absorbed relentless pressure from the Hawks before holding firm to lift the trophy, capping the revival of Madang Rugby League after a seven-year hiatus.
The contest lived up to grand final billing, with both sides trading heavy tackles and momentum swings. But it was the Royals’ composure in the closing stages that proved decisive, edging their opponents by just four points after 80 minutes of physical football.
Earlier in the day, the men’s Under-20 final produced high drama as the North Riders from Riwo village stunned the Hawks with a 7-6 comeback win. The Riders crossed just before halftime and added the conversion to lock the scores, before slotting a crucial field goal in the second stanza to seal the title.
The women’s final, however, ended in disappointment as Onarop Fox failed to field a team, handing the Royals women a forfeit victory and the championship.
This year’s competition marked a strong return for Madang Rugby League, which ran for 12 weeks with eight clubs competing across three divisions: men’s A-Grade, women’s, and Under-20.
Mineral Resources Madang Limited, a subsidiary of the Mineral Resources Development Corporation, supported the season with K50,000 in funding. MRDC company secretary Richard Aupae officiated the grand final kickoff and urged players and supporters to uphold sportsmanship on and off the field.
The final also drew notable rugby league figures, including former PNG Kumuls and Lae Snax Tigers coach Stanley Tepend, PNGRFL Northern Confederate director Robin Iveke, Tigers fullback Samson Tobe, and PNG Hunters five-eighth Joshua Lau. Both Tobe and Lau mingled with the crowd and encouraged young players to push themselves if they aim to break into professional ranks.
The return of Madang Rugby League after seven years was hailed as a success, with fans, officials and players already looking forward to next season.