It was third time lucky for the Queensland Papua New Guinea open men’s team who proved too strong for Tokoua Tonga Rugby League Queensland, claiming this year’s title at the Queensland Pacific Island Cultural Carnival.
PNG went down to Samoa last year in the final and to Cook Islands in 2019, but were able to celebrate with their supporters after securing the 24-0 win which included open men’s player of the match Shaun Hoerler crossing for two tries at Beenleigh’s Bill Norris Oval.
In the open women’s competition, Queensland Nga Hau E Wha Maori Rugby League went back-to-back, posting a strong 36-0 win against Rugby League Samoa Queensland.
PNG’s win was the closing game and wrapped up what was three big days of rugby league, which saw 80 games played.
While Samoa missed out on defending their men’s title, there was still plenty of success for the nation to enjoy, taking out the under 18s boys and girls divisions, as well as under 16s boys and girls draws.
As well as the Open Women’s honours, Maori teams also took home the trophy in the Under 14 Boys and Under 14 Girls age groups.
This year, QPICC had one of the largest attendances in the carnival’s history, and was a celebration of the contributions of the Pasifika community to the game.
Cultural dances and displays were staged before each game, while the popular market stalls were a thrive of activity with nations sharing traditional food and treats.
The theme for 2022 was ‘for Pasifika people with Pasifika people’ and the opening ceremony was an event in itself, with each of the competing nations contributing a special presentation to welcome the guests and fans.
A livestream of the action on field one, powered by PacificAus Sports, was once again provided to fans who were not able to make it to the venue, to help provide connection for families and communities in the Pacific.
The carnival was also supported by QRL South East staff and QRL referees who ensured the games were played to their highest level.
QPICC 2022 grand final results
Under 14 Girls
Queensland Nga Hau E Wha Maori Rugby League 14 defeated Rugby League Samoa Queensland 0
Player of the match: name not supplied
Under 14 Boys
Queensland Nga Hau E Wha Maori Rugby League 36 defeated Papua New Guinea Kokomos Queensland Rugby League 0
Player of the match: Hikurangi Kiel
Under 16 Girls
Rugby League Samoa Queensland 20 defeated Queensland Nga Hau E Wha Maori Rugby League 6
Player of the match: Shalom Sauaso
Under 16 Boys
Rugby League Samoa Queensland 26 defeated Papua New Guinea Kokomos Queensland Rugby League 0
Player of the match: Isopo Taunuu
Under 18 Girls
Rugby League Samoa Queensland 30 defeated Queensland Nga Hau E Wha Maori Rugby League 0
Player of the match: Malaela Sua
Under 18 Boys
Rugby League Samoa Queensland 14 defeated Queensland Nga Hau E Wha Maori Rugby League 4
Player of the match: Jackson LePou
Open Women
Queensland Nga Hau E Wha Maori Rugby League 36 defeated Rugby League Samoa Queensland 0
Player of the match: Lavinia Gould
Open Men
Papua New Guinea Kokomos Queensland Rugby League 24 defeated Tokoua Tonga Rugby League Queensland 0
Player of the match: Shaun Hoerler
QPICC players of the tournament
This year, each nation selected a player of the tournament for their participating age groups.
The names of the QPICC 2022 MVP winners have been supplied by nations and are listed below.
Maori
Under 14 Girls: Lilliana Lewis
Under 14 Boys: Tayshan Tonga
Under 16 Girls: Harmem Walker
Under 16 Boys: Te Ariki Kowhai
Under 18 Boys: Kylem Vunipola
Under 18 Girls: Matekino Grey
Open Women: Jonell Lavendar
Open Men: Shane Pumipi
Niue
Under 14 Boys: Si’I Tat Paleti
Under 16 Girls: Tameka Barnes
Under 16 Boys: Frank Melelosa
Under 18 Boys: Solomon Platt
Open Men: Samisoni Potemani
PNG
Under 14 Boys: Loi Tau
Under 14 Girls: Haddasah Todd
Under 16 Boys: Zac KumamonUnder
Under 16 Girls: Tiana Kanawi
Under 18 Boys: Anton Naiyep
Open Women: Tazmin Taumafai
Open Men: Jackson Chang
Samoa
Under 14 Boys: Dean Tauaa Letoa
Under 16 Boys: Mark Nosa
Under 16 Girls: Shalom Sauaso
Under 18 Boys: Sejie Tautai
Under 18 Girls: Tavarna Papalii
Open Women: Lesa Siauane
Open Men: Ofisa Te'o
Tonga
Under 14 Boys: Israel Lotaki
Under 14 Girls: Melanie Sua
Under 16 Boys: Tom Nua
Under 16 Girls: Eta Sikahele
Under 18 Boys: Dorian Lotaki
Open Women: Destiny Brill
Open Men: Wes Lolo
Cook Islands
Yet to submit
