The PNG NRL Bid Academy is getting ready for an even improved program in 2025. After a successful progress, resulting the Junior Kumuls outstanding performance in October when took on Australia Schoolboys and sharing the honours. The Academy achieved amazing things in 2024, such as: Helping 720 boys and girls get coaching through an 18-week program. This made it one of the biggest rugby training programs in the NRL. Bringing top-level coaches to six regions across PNG to train players. Using a special system to compare PNG players’ skills and fitness to Australian players. Holding the first NRL Bid Academy tournament. It was shown live on TVWAN 3 by Digicel PNG, with 16 matches aired over two days. Encouraging players to attend school by making it a rule to join the Academy. The 2025 program will be even bigger and better: There will be more tournaments for U15 and U17 boys and U18 girls. Older boys (U19) will join a new PNGRFL tournament. Twice as many staff will be hired, and the number of women staffs will grow from 8% to 25%. Women will also have important jobs like Head Coach, Assistant Coach, and Team Manager. A new Player Welfare program will teach players about money, health, and eating rights. For the first time, a Coaches Conference will bring coaches from across PNG together to learn and improve coaching methods. Andrew Hill, the Chief Executive of the PNG NRL Bid Academy, said the program is helping PNG’s young players become world-class athletes. “There is so much talent in PNG. We want to create the best training system for our players, linking schools and the Academy.” “The expanded tournaments and innovative programs will help players shine. The Junior Kumuls’ performance last year shows we are on the right track.” “The PNG NRL Bid Academy is not just about playing rugby.” “It is also about helping young people succeed in school and life. With this program, PNG’s rugby future looks brighter than ever.”