Sepik Pride sets eyes on 2027 Digicel Cup return

Sepik Pride is working to rebuild its franchise after being asked to step down from the Digicel Cup competition, with its chairman saying the team is determined to return to the national competition in 2027.

The commitment was highlighted during the Sepik Pride Fundraising Dinner at Dynasty Restaurant in Port Moresby last Saturday, attended by Prime Minister James Marape, his wife Lady Raechel Marape and East Sepik Governor Allan Bird.

Chairman of the East Sepik Agmark School Rugby League, Anthony Boiefin, says the development of school rugby league is creating a strong foundation for the future of the sport in the province.

He says the program has grown from one Under-19 competition involving six secondary schools to five divisions with about 560 registered players in 2026. The competition has also expanded to more districts, with more schools and communities becoming involved.

Chairman of the Sepik Pride Franchise, John Simon, says Sepik Pride entered the Digicel Cup in 2023, but at the end of the competition, the franchise was asked to step down because it was not meeting the requirements of the competition.

“We were told to go back meet the standard and come back,” Simon said.

He says the franchise accepted the setback and returned home to rebuild.

“We were not ready so we went home bow our heads and stared the Journey to Put our house together,” Simon said.

Simon says Sepik Pride is not giving up and will continue to face its challenges.

“Sepik Pride is Coming Back Bigger, Better and Stronger,” he said.

Prime Minister James Marape, who was guest of honour at the fundraising dinner, pledged National Government support for the return of Sepik Pride and the development of school rugby league in East Sepik.

“I want to give my full support to sepik Pride to be restored back in 2027. I want to offer National Government Support to School Boys & Girls Rugby League in East Sepik for the Next Year 2027,” Prime Minister Marape said.

The pledge provides further support for the rebuilding of Sepik Pride, while the growing school rugby league competition continues to develop a pathway for young players in East Sepik.