Agmark Clash of Towns tournament continues in Rabaul

THE second leg of the inaugural Agmark Clash of the Towns tournament continues tomorrow at Queen’s Park Oval in Rabaul with an entertaining match between Rabaul Legends and Kokopo Legends as a curtain-raisers to the main game between Kokopo Marlins and Rabaul Ashes.
An initiative by East New Britain rugby league mentor and Papua New Guinea Kumuls coach Michael Marum, the tournament is aimed at identifying local talents to join Rabaul Gurias as players and coaches.
Rabaul Gurias franchise boss Steven Nightingale told The National that despite criticism made on social media following the appointment of the Gurias coach, Francis Ray, this was the management’s approach to identifying new talents.
“We’ve come up with this tournament to identify talented players and coaches in each district,” he said.
“We don’t have the size anymore.
“Today’s generation lacks weight, height and size — nothing like Lucas Solbat, Channel Aquila, Pidi Togap, Reo Ainui and Oscar Tonga.
“If you watch the local leagues, we no longer have that kind of size there.
“But with this tournament, we may be able to identify some potential talents and develop them.”
Nightingale said East New Britain rugby league still had a long way to go.
The first leg of the competition was held at Kerevat, Gazelle, last week. At 12pm, Kokopo Marlins face fellow women’s side Rabaul Ashes, followed by the Rabaul Legends-Kokopo Legends fixture at 1pm.
The final leg of the tournament will be held at Kalabond Oval next Saturday.
Nightingale thanked Pacific Industries for partnering Agmark as tournament sponsors.