Buka to host Bougainville’s league bid

Sports

THE Buka Rugby Football League launches its 2019 Digicel Cup bid at Hutjena in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville tomorrow.
Association president Avis Vanua confirmed from Buka yesterday that the launching would be witnessed by PNG Rugby Football League chairman Sandis Tsaka, PNG National Rugby League Competition administrator Stanley Hondina and New Guinea Islands Confederate director Aloysius Tobata along with also AROB government Sports Minister Josephine Getsi and other members.
The keynote address will be by chairman Tsaka where he is expected give an assurance that next year’s bid by Bougainville Pride will be given consideration.
Vanua said it was a significant occasion and the guests would be met at Buka Airport with a traditional welcome ceremony by Mortlok knife dancers along with other local performances. Vanua said the delegation would be taken on site inspection of the franchise’s home venue at the Hutjena sports oval.
Vanua said the occasion marked the first time a PNGRFL head had visited the province and it would also an opportunity to inform him of their plans which included developing their women’s competition
Vanua said the local league would also stage an exhibition match between the a Country and Town side.
“This is history making for us because rugby league is being given recognition on Bougainville. We have these young mothers and girls that are taking up the sport and we expect to pick a team to represent Buka at the New Guinea Islands Confederate trials.
An Under-20 men’s match will open proceeding at Hutjena before the Town v Country match.
The other new bids for spots in next year’s Digicel Cup include the Central Dabaris and Kimbe Cutters.