As a proud Papua New Guinean, I find myself deeply moved and humbled by the powerful gesture made by the Castleford Tigers and the wider UK rugby league community in honouring the legacy of our Papua New Guinean players with the 2025 Tribute Shirt.
From the moment the jersey was unveiled, bearing our traditional patterns and cultural symbols, it became clear that this was far more than just a uniform to be worn on the field — it was a declaration of respect, a bridge between cultures, and a recognition of the enduring impact that our people have made in the world of rugby league. It’s a profound reminder that though we may be separated by oceans and continents, we are united by the shared love of a sport that embodies the values of courage, loyalty, resilience, and pride.
This tribute means the world to us. To see our customs, colours, and heritage represented so boldly and beautifully in a professional league on the other side of the world brings a sense of validation, pride, and connection that is hard to put into words. It tells every Papua New Guinean — whether they’re watching from the highlands, the islands, or the busy streets of Port Moresby — that our story matters, our players are remembered, and our culture is celebrated.
Rugby league is more than just a sport in Papua New Guinea — it is a way of life. It unites tribes, generations, and regions. In villages with no electricity, children gather around radios to hear the score. In towns, people crowd around televisions to cheer for their heroes. Our national heroes are not just athletes; they are role models, peacemakers, and a source of hope. So, when a club like Castleford Tigers takes the time and heart to create a shirt that honours our players, it is a moment of national pride.
The Tribute Shirt is not only a nod to the past but also an inspiration for the future. It speaks to the contributions of PNG greats who played in the UK with passion and dignity. Names like James Segeyaro, David Mead, Paul Aiton, and the legendary Stanley Gene come to mind — men who left our shores to pursue their rugby dreams and who, in doing so, became ambassadors for our nation. They earned respect not just through their skills, but through the heart they brought to the game, the humility with which they carried themselves, and the deep love they had for both rugby and their people.
This gesture also shines a light on the growing relationship between Papua New Guinea and the UK in the realm of sport. It’s a symbol of unity — of what can happen when we recognise each other’s histories, stories, and values. It reminds us that sport has the power to transcend barriers of language, distance, and culture. In this jersey, we see not only the past players but the young boys and girls who now dream of one day donning a professional kit and representing PNG on the world stage. The Tribute Shirt tells them: “Your dreams are valid. Your culture is beautiful. You belong in this game.”
To the designers who carefully incorporated elements of PNG’s cultural identity, thank you. To the management and leadership of Castleford Tigers who supported this initiative, thank you. To the players who will proudly wear this jersey, thank you. And to the fans who embrace it with understanding and admiration, thank you. You have shown us that we are not alone in our love for this game, and that our contributions are seen, respected, and remembered.
I must also thank the wider UK rugby league family. Your openness to our people, your willingness to embrace our culture, and your continued support of PNG players make this game more inclusive, more enriching, and more human. Every try scored by a PNG player in your leagues echoes all the way back to our homeland, where it becomes part of family conversations, community celebrations, and lifelong memories.
This jersey is now more than just fabric stitched together — it is a story, a tribute, a connection. It carries with it the heartbeat of our nation and the respect of a distant but kindred community. It stands for something bigger than rugby: it stands for unity through sport, for the power of cultural pride, and for the shared human spirit that drives us to strive, to achieve, and to celebrate together.
To every Papua New Guinean who sees this jersey, let it be a reminder of our strength and resilience. Let it remind us of the legacy we carry, the roots that ground us, and the future we are building. And to everyone in Castleford and the UK who played a part in bringing this tribute to life, please know that your gesture has touched a nation. You have earned the gratitude of a proud people, and we will not forget it.
On behalf of all Papua New Guineans — at home and abroad — thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You have honoured us with this tribute, and in doing so, have become part of our story. May the spirit of rugby league continue to bring our peoples together in respect, camaraderie, and shared love for the beautiful game.
Wanbel wantaim na tenkyu tru.
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