Bulldogs, Sharks to travel up north

CANTERBURY Bulldogs stars Dylan Napa, Will Hopoate, Aiden Tolman and Sharks ace Josh Dugan arrive with their sides at the Jackson International Airport in Port Moresby today (12.20pm).
Their arrival marks a historic moment for rugby league in Papua New Guinea as Saturday will be the first time two National Rugby League (NRL) clubs have played a trial match in the country.
“Both teams arrive from Brisbane. Let’s welcome them on arrival,” Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) chairman Sandis Tsaka said ahead of the trial at the Oil Search National Football Stadium (5.30pm kick-off).
He said the public would have an opportunity to meet the players at the stadium at 3.30pm.
Tsaka said notable players from the Bulldogs were Dylan Napa, William Hopoate, Josh Jackson and Dean Britt while the Sharks had Josh Dugan, Royce Hunt and Scott Sorenson.
“This is an opportunity to personally meet them,” he said.
Tsaka said the Sharks would conduct clinics with selected schools at the stadium from 9am to 10am tomorrow. The Bulldogs and the Hunters will visit Boreboa and June Valley primary schools between 10am to 11am.
Tsaka also welcomed the Central Queensland Capras to Port Moresby for a pre-season trial against the SP Hunters.
“We look forward to seeing new SP Hunters coach Matthew Church and his charges on the field for the first time,” he said.
The SP Hunters-Capras match kicks off at 3.00pm followed by the clash between the Bulldogs and Sharks.
“I welcome the three teams, including their managements, to PNG,” Tsaka said. “I’ve been assured that they will produce some quality rugby league for all to see.”
Tsaka acknowledged the Australian Government and NRL for making the trial possible.
“Get your tickets and see you at the NFS on Saturday to kick off our rugby league season with the pre-season double-header.”