9s attracts 76 teams

The National Sports

By JACK AMI
A TOTAL of 76 teams are confirmed for the Sportz Events Southern Region Nines rugby league tournament which kicks off at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Sunday.
“We should know by tomorrow whether this number will increase to 80 teams before the close of registration,” Sportz Events director Solomon Ravu said yesterday.
Ravu said as soon as the pools were confirmed, he would release the draw to all the teams. A pool is expected to be made up of four teams.
The winners will walk away with the Cup and K10,000. “Central, Gulf and Western teams should not be underestimated by the top National Capital District sides who have seasoned campaigners,” Ravu said.
“We are also monitoring player eligibility to avoid appeals and protest from teams.
“This is why we are warning team managements and coaches to abide by the tournament rules.”
Ravu said Central talent were known to enjoy playing nines because of the pace and skills associated with the shorter format.
Pool A – Roku Tuhava Two, GM Brothers, Baruni Limestones, Koita Warriors; Pool B – Gulf Oalai Ifereas, Joyce Bay Gaba, Velerupu Warriors, Taurama Waves Gold; Pool C – DK Roosters, KK Lemoko, Kelerwka Panthers, West 10 Reds; Pool D – Aroma Coast, Koita Cowboys, Davage Sharks, Veifa’a Spartans; Pool E – Ouvalivu Typans, Western Barras, Benpro Rebels, Marokele; Pool F – Lako Development, SSG Roosters, Bips Patu, Roku Tuhava One; Pool G – Taurama Waves, Wasa Nauna, Friendly Bears, Kelerakwa Country Eagles; Pool H – Western Flyers, Lako, Taurama Ruts Dragons, Ponu Shadows Raiders; Pool I – Kempa Warriors, KS Drifters, Taurama Waves Blues, Agekalana Eagles; Pool J – Inauaia Roosters Two, Vurumo Waves, Komara Kape, Stripling Warriors; Pool K – Komara Ukua, Pegala, Erima Lauma, MBB Marlins; Pool L – Gereka Water Boys, Purari Kokori, Rovanama, Gaivakala; Pool M – Inauaia Roosters One, City Dogs, Benpro Feeders, Moukele; Pool N – Shekainah Brothers, Poreporena Marlins, Balimo Swamp Dwellers, Borenumu Flyers; Pool O – Keakalo Spartans, Miro Koivi One, Papa B2 Cowboys, Southside Waidex; Pool P – Miro Koivi Two, Kapo Drifters, RIL Roadsiders, Tatana Islanders; Pool Q – Spidertek Pirates, Huria Brothers, North Dingos Gold, Abau Nadi Brothers; Pool R – Siporo Magpies, North Dingos Green, Magelo Brothers, Vula’a Oru Mix; Pool S – Wanigela Kavela, Ropauale Blues, DJR Classic, Waro Iruone.