Church keen on finals

IN a fitting tribute to a key figure in Papua New Guinea rugby league, the Rabaul Gurias were crowned the Digicel Cup minor premiers following their final-round win over Waghi Tumbe.
This year, the side dedicated their season to club founder John Nightingale, who passed away in May.
SP Hunters coach Matt Church has kept a keen eye on the competition and his players throughout the season and said it was a special way for the club to honour Nightingale and would provide them with a boost heading into the finals.
“The Gurias were set up by Nightingale and his company,” he said.
“Unfortunately, he passed away early this year.
“The Gurias have dedicated their season on his memory.
“Many young men from Rabaul have been provided this opportunity to play the sport they love (thanks to him), including many of the initial Hunters who were from the Gurias.
“(Former SP Hunters mentor) Michael Marum was coaching the likes of Watson and Ase Boas, also Wartovo Puara Jr at the Gurias.
“These men would become the spine of the 2017 Hunters premiership-winning team, so to be awarded the minor premiership is a fitting tribute to the man who started it all for our players.”
Following the cancellation of the Intrust Super Cup after round one, it’s been a challenging season for Church who had hoped to be able to travel to PNG to play a more “hands-on” role in overseeing how the members of the Hunters squad were performing in the Digicel Cup. – QRL