Valentine Richard comes from the highlands of Papua New Guinea, introduced to rugby league by his Uncle Jack Kilip and shaped from the start by a culture of winning. His first rugby league memory is the Hela Wigmen claiming the premiership in 2020 — a high bar he has spent his career trying to match and exceed. Since debuting for the Capras in 2023, he has won the Pacific Bowl Championship three years running: 2023, 2024 and 2025.

The most memorable game of his career was his PNG Kumuls international debut against the Cook Islands in Port Moresby in 2023 — a game on which he scored a try. The ambitions for 2026 sit on the same level: win the Hostplus Cup premiership with the Capras and earn a place in PNG’s World Cup squad. He plays the game with a philosophy cut as straight as his style at prop: life is all about making choices. Whatever it takes, keep moving forward.

Away from the field, Valentine is a fisherman who draws his strength from three things he says he simply cannot live without — Jesus, food and family. He goes into games relaxed, chilling with the boys and a PNG local artist on the speakers. Eggs, bread and fruit before kick-off. Steak, mash, sweet potato and vegetables for a proper meal. And the legacy he wants to leave behind? One his generations will remember forever.

#OnTheField

Position: Prop

Junior Club: Kunai Brothers / Hela Wigmen

Capras Debut: 2023.

What’s your first memory playing rugby league? Winning the premiership in 2020 with the Hela Wigmen.

Who introduced you to the game? My Uncle, Jack Kilip.

Career Highlight: Winning the Pacific Bowl Championship in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Pre-Game Ritual/Superstition: Chill with good music and chat with the boys.

Most Memorable Game: PNG Kumuls vs Cook Islands in Port Moresby, 2023 — I scored a try on my international debut.

What’s Your Personal Goal for the year? Win the premiership for the Capras and be part of the 2026 World Cup squad.

What’s the biggest lesson footy has taught you? Life is all about making choices. Whatever it takes, keep moving forward.

What advice would you give to young players starting out in footy? Learning never stops — keep learning. Respect. Whatever you do on the footy field, give your best.

 

#OffTheField

If you weren’t a footballer, what would you be? Working in a public office, delivering services to rural communities.

Childhood Hero: Dad.

Favourite Game-Day Pump-Up Song: Maramba Pisi — Felix Yausi (PNG Local).

Hobbies: Fishing.

Favourite Post-Game Meal: Eggs and bread, fruits.

Favourite Sports Team (Outside Rugby League): PNG Hakeri (soccer).

Best Advice You’ve Ever Received: Leave a legacy that your generations will remember forever.

Favourite Holiday Destination: Mt Hagen, PNG.

Dream Team You’d Love to Play For: Sydney Roosters / Dolphins.

Dream Player You’d Love to Play With: James Tedesco / Latrell Mitchell.

 

#CaprasTop3

Game Day Snacks: Bread, eggs, fruits.

Movies of All Time: Vikings.

Meals: Steak, mash, sweet potato, veggies.

Sporting Idols: Mike Tyson.

Bucket List Destinations: Norway, New Zealand.

Things You Can’t Live Without: Jesus, food, family.

Worst Drills at Training: 1.2km runs, 300m MAS runs.

Embarrassing Moments on the Field: Missing tackles, dropping balls.

 

#TeamTalk

Who is the team pest? Zevy.

Who is always late to training? Blake.

Who takes the longest to get ready? Blake Moore.

Who would you not want to be stuck on a desert island with? Khaiya Waiembi / Bobby Tenza.

Who is the best dressed on the team? Riley Reid.

Who is the worst dressed on the team? Zevy.

Who is the biggest joker on the team? Riley Reid.

Who else would you like to throw under the bus? Nixon Putt.