Central kicks off nines footy

CENTRAL rugby league nines cup preliminary finals will kick off today at the Lloyd Robson Oval in Port Moresby.
The pool winners to contest the cup are: PS United (A), G Stones (B), Koki Eels (C), Borimana (D), Hisiu Knights (E), K Cowboys (F), KV Black Bokis (G) and Thauva Oa (H).
Last year’s  champions Wanigela Kavela dropped out of the cup race after losing all their pool matches while runners-up Kelekoupa made the quarter-finals.
PS united take on G Stones followed by Koki Eels
and Borimana.
Surprise package Hisiu Knights play Koita Cowboys in the penultimate match before KV Black Bokis take on Thauva Oa.
All the winners advance to the semi-finals while the losers play for the consolation prizes.
For the plate playoffs, Maopakala face V Parela followed by Country Boys and Pegela. 
PS United 2 lock horns with I Nauana while Kelekoupa against Wasa Wanbel
In the bowl playoffs Wani Kavela play Vawela Force, Roku Vipers meet Loupomu 1, newcomers Gatama Brothers take on Gabagaba development and Vuru Keakalo face Loupomu 2.
All bowl and plate winners progress to their semi-finals while the losers bow out.
Tournament coordinator Ben Kaupa said the grand-final was scheduled for this afternoon.
Kaupa said the presentation of awards would be after the cup decider at PRL.
Association executive Ripa Kalamo said a 40-man squad would be selected for the 2013 New Zealand and Queensland invitationals.