By HENRY MORABANG
SUPER Nines champions Butterflies have acquired the services of Kumul winger Michael Mark to bolster their title defence when Nines competition kicks off today at Lloyd Robson Oval in Port Moresby today.
The Butterflies is in Pool E along with Defence Team 2, Oltomo Brothers and Kone Tigers and will no doubt start as favourite.
The self-sponsored Super Nines tournament by Port Moresby Rugby League has attracted all its affiliates including the Second Division teams such Morata Swans, Boroko, 4-Mile Cats, Erema, Oltomo Brothers, Street Vendors and Boera Sailors.
Former Sohe MP and patron Peter Oresi confirmed yesterday that the Butterflies will defend the title this weekend.
He said the club has retained all its big name players such as Jessie John, Johnson Kuike and Benjamin John plus the new recruit Mark from Kundiawa Warriors.
Oresi said Mark’s inclusion was a bonus to the club. His presence will certainly add a little tonic in the offensive side of play.
Apart from the big guns, Butterflies will be banking on its junior players who have work their way up in the last three years. The players include Ate Bina, Michael Boeo, Hubert Ninkama, Peter Mokai, Nelson Wallen, Jarrod Bagi and Jordon Kapo.
According to the draws released by Port Moresby Rugby Football League, the teams in Pool A are as follows Tarangau, Paga, Morata Swans and Dobo Warriors, Pool B: Magani, Street Vendors, Bomana and Hawks, Pool C: Royals, 4-Mile Cats and Waliya, Pool D Defence, Mioks, 6-Mile Cats and Wests and Pool F is Brothers, Boera Sailors and Erema.
Port Moresby Rugby League Board chairman Solomon Ravu confirmed that there will be Super Nines tournament. All prices will be sponsored by Port Moresby League as there was no sponsor.
He said the winner will collect K2,000 as last year while the runner up K1,000 in the Cup division while the winner in Plate and Bowls division will collect K500 winner and runner up K300 respectively.
Ravu said he was pleased that 12 teams from his league have nominated, including the suburban leagues.
Boera Sailors who were the champions of Southern Regional Nines tournament will make their presences felt.