Kandes franchise joins 2026 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup as Kimbe Cutters exit
The Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition [PNG NRLC] has officially confirmed the inclusion of a new franchise, the Kandes Rugby League Football Club, for the 2026 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup season.
The announcement was made today by PNG NRLC Chairman Ian Chow and General Manager of Pathways and Performance Tony Archer, following the board’s approval to expand the competition’s footprint into Madang Province, where the Kandes will be based.
Chow said the inclusion of Kandes is part of the league’s long-term plan to grow rugby league nationwide.
“The inclusion of the Kandes highlights our commitment to expanding the reach of rugby league across the country,” he said.
“It reflects our continued drive to enhance the national pathway system, providing fresh opportunities to grow the game but with strict adherence to compliance requirements.”
The Kandes replace the Kimbe Cutters, whose participation license will not be renewed after the board determined the club did not meet several compliance criteria during the annual review process.
"The Cutters have been part of our competition since 2019, and we acknowledge their contribution over the past seven years,” Chow said.
“PNG NRLC remains committed to working closely with the club to support their potential return once the required entry criteria have been met.”
Archer said the change aligns with PNG NRLC’s broader strategic goal to strengthen professionalism and sustainability across all clubs in preparation for the expected entry of the PNG Chiefs in National Rugby League [NRL] by 2028.
“This is an important step forward as we continue to build a strong national footprint,” Archer said.
“We want clubs to be professional, connected to their community rugby league systems, and financially sustainable as we head toward 2028 and beyond.”
He said the decision followed an extensive application process for the new franchise, which had been in development for more than 18 months.
“The inclusion of the new club in Madang is a really important part of our footprint,” Archer said.
“It’s an area where we haven’t had a team in the elite competition in recent years, and we need to grow that region.”
Archer also confirmed that while the PNG NRLC continues to assess opportunities for expansion, the current focus remains on consolidating the existing 12-team competition.
“Expansion is always on the books, but it must be done at the right time and in the right areas of the country,” he said.
“Right now, our priority is to strengthen the clubs we have and ensure they meet the standards expected of a national competition.”
The addition of the Kandes brings renewed excitement for Madang’s rugby league community, which will now host top-tier matches for the first time in several years.
Meanwhile, the Sepik Pride and Simbu Warriors did submit bids for 2026 entry.