Central to have side in Digicel Cup

CENTRAL is set to have its first Digicel Cup side since the Wari Vele Raiders a decade ago.
The Central Dabari are vying to be only the second team to come from the province and have set their sights on entering the semi-professional competition next year.
The franchise’s management signed a three-year partnership worth K1.2 million per annum with Vitis Industries Limited last week and are looking to meet the other PNGNRLC requirements to be a fully fledged club in the competition.
The team will be called the Vitis Central Dabari.
Company director Vikkii Mosin announced the sponsorship package and the partnership in front of the newly appointed Central Dabari board members at the company’s head office at 9-Mile.
Bid team chairman Keith Iduhu said since the formation of the bid team in March had seen them work towards securing corporate sponsorship for the team which resulted in a lucrative partnership between the liquor producer and the Dabari.
Iduhu said Central had lacked proper representation since the inception of the inter-city competition.
He said his team were working on developing programmes to identify talent and recruit players.
“The main task is to work with the Southern Confederate to align competitions and programmes in the province to enable pathways – village-based leagues into the Central Dabari Programme,” Iduhu said.
He said the Bid team also plans to take rugby league to its people through school development programmes and the inclusion of women in the sport.
Iduhu thanked Mosin, staff and the management for having the faith in them and backing their bid.
Mosin said while negotiations were still in their primary stages, the new franchise for the province would potentially unlock the talent that was in the villages along the coast and in the interior.
“We are committed to this bid and I hope with our support it will be successful,” Mosin said.
“Our main focus is for young men be given the opportunity to showcase their talents, represent their province and promote community rugby league development,” she added.
Dabari bid team: Keith Iduhu (chairman), Hubert Warupi, Eddie Aila, Chris Enara, Manu Lofena, Vikki Mosin (business representative), Solo Damena.