A Junior Kumuls development camp was held in Papua New Guinea last week, providing 25 young athletes with high-performance training aimed at improving skills, accessing specialist coaching, and creating pathways for future opportunities in rugby league.

The initiative was led by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the National Rugby League (NRL), the organisations providing coaching expertise and logistical support.

The ADF accommodated athletes attending the camp in Port Moresby and transported some participants via a Spartan aircraft.

Among the athletes was Joseph Kora from Chimney Province, who spoke about the impact of the program.

"To be part of this was really a brilliant opportunity for me as a young boy," Kora said.

"Rugby league has been very important to us, and it was a privilege to take part in this program.

"Last year, I played as a Junior Kumul, and my dream is to one day be a Senior Kumul. Camps like this help us develop our skills and learn from others so we get better at the game."

ADF rugby league coaching staff worked alongside Head of Elite Pathways coach Joey Grima to deliver training sessions.

Warrant Officer Class 2 Michael Allison, one of the ADF coaches, praised the talent and dedication of PNG's young players.

"One of the biggest things I noticed was the toughness, skill and speed that the PNG players have," Warrant Officer Allison said.

"I didn't know what to expect coming into this camp but I quickly noticed their discipline – turning up on time, wearing the uniform correctly and staying focused.

"Some of these young men will go on to play for the Senior Kumuls side and perhaps even in the NRL."

The Junior Kumuls development camp was part of the broader ADF Pacific Sports Program, which took place in Port Moresby from March 3 to 8 in collaboration with the NRL, AFL, Sports Medicine Australia, and the Federation of International Touch Football.

The program provided internationally accredited coaching, referee training, sports trainer certification, first aid education, healthy lifestyle guidance, and strength and conditioning programs to more than 360 participants.

Aligned with the Pacific Step-Up objectives and the Australian Government's Team Up initiative, the program focused on sustained sporting engagement.

Given rugby league's status as PNG's national sport, the investment in junior development strengthens pathways from grassroots participation to elite competition.