PNGRFL pays tribute to league benefactor

THE Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League paid tribute to the late Lloyd Robson, a man whose name was synonymous with rugby league venue at Boroko in Port Moresby.
Robson, pictured, who was  75 at the time of his death last Wednesday, was a plumber by trade and arrived in Port Moresby in 1964 to take up a job with the Commonwealth Department of Works.
When the country gained independence in 1975, Robson took up a position as works supervisor with the Port Moresby City Council, now the National Capital District Commission.
The Lloyd Robson oval was dedicated in 1980 recognising 15 years of service by the rugby league player and coach.
He directed all his spare time to ground improvements since his arrival, upgrading the surface, providing the water reticulation for irrigation of the field and the construction of two extra stands.
And he did general maintenance to the ground at his own cost.
He said at the time it was a ‘fantastic’ feeling watching sportsmen compete on the oval named in his honour.
“I have watched, Englishmen, New Zealanders, Frenchmen and Australians play there and makes me feel very proud,” Robson said.
Lloyd’s voluntary work was an extension to his enjoyment of rugby league, a game he played in his hometown of Murwillumbah.
On his arrival in Port Moresby, he joined the Hanuabada Hawks rugby league club and represented Port Moresby and Papua teams.
The second-rower retired in 1970 and coached his beloved Hawks where he won premierships with the reserve and A Grade sides.
He became president of the Port Moresby rugby league in 1981 and held that position until he returned in 1984.
PNGRFL chief executive Bob Cutmore in a condolence message on behalf of the PNGRFL to Robson’s Paul said it was a pleasure knowing Lloyd and his impact on the game.
“I still have vision of your dad in t-shirt and shorts do his thing so that the game was always well presented,’ Cutmore said.
“His involvement as trainer for the PNG Pacific Cup teams and his willingness to just get the job done for the betterment of those involved has left a lasting legacy.
The late Robson had been ill with a number of issues and spent the past two months in Tweed Heads hospital.
The funeral is on today at Melaleuca Station Memorial Gardens, Chinderah at 11.30am.