Agarobe backs rugby league

By JACK AMI
Central Governor Robert Agarobe says he is targeting rugby league development as a driving force throughout the province.
Agarobe said among all the sports played in the province, he had chosen rugby league as it was the national sport of the country.
He made this announcement during the Southern Nines presentation on Friday at Bava Park, where he commended the Ravu brothers — Ivan and Solomon — for introducing the initiative to help nurture Central rugby league players.
“This will help raise the standard of rugby league in the rural areas and improve the player base that Central has,” Agarobe said.
He watched the cup final between Lako and Nego Coast Brothers and was impressed with the talent on display.
“These tournaments should not be played in Port Moresby but brought to the rural and local level governments (LLG) areas to be watched by the people in the villages,” Agarobe said.
“This is an area I want to develop and improve in (terms of) the competitions and facilities in the rural districts and LLGs.
“I will give it full backing when the process is ready to be delivered next year. We have the Central Dabaris (Rugby League) now in the Digicel Cup, which I’m proud of.
“I will give my full support as the flagship of the province.
“I will make it a commitment to visit all the districts and LLGs to promote rugby league, agriculture and education as my priorities for the province.”
Agarobe said the Central government’s focus in those areas would help promote human resource development and raise the profile of the province.
The Ravu brothers said they were grateful to Agarobe for officiating at the end of the tournament.
Ivan said since its beginning 15 years ago, the Southern Nines had grown from strength to strength.
He said the annual tournament had helped develop players like the late Kato Ottio and Edene Gabbie, who joins the Wynnum Manly Seagulls next season.