Blacks defer Cup bid

By PARKER TAMBUA
MORESBY South Blacks have opted to defer their Digicel Cup bid at the behest of club patron and Moresby South MP Justin Tkatchenko, according to an official.
“Club patron and major supporter Justin Tkatchenko wants us to delay the bid for the 2023 or 2024 season,” Moresby South Rugby League president Brown Murema told The National yesterday. “He (Tkatchenko) feels that 2022 is not the right time, that’s why we are following the direction given by him.”
Murema said the delay would give the club the opportunity to secure enough corporate sponsors to back the side in their debut season in the country’s premier rugby league competition.
“Apart from sponsorship, Blacks have met all the criteria of the Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition.
“We have a world-class facility, Moresby South Stadium, which is the Blacks home ground.
“We have a large pool of talent that will form the side.
“But while waiting to bid, we will continue to produce players for Port Moresby-based Digicel Cup franchises like Vipers, Dabaris, Wigmen and Isou. We also have some players who are with teams that are based in the Highlands.
“When our Digicel Cup participation is confirmed then we will bring them back to strengthen Blacks.”
Brown said he was eyeing Vipers players in Shane Nigel, Yunny Patrick, Maya Clarke and Joel Torombe as pioneers who would lead Blacks in their debut season.