Coach Paita highlights potential in Northern

NORTHERN Confederation Under-18s coach Moses Paita says their Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited National Schools Rugby League championship triumph reflects the region’s abundance in talents.
Northern were crowned champions after they beat New Guinea Islands 12-0 in Friday’s final at the Oil Search National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.
Paita told The National after the game that he was confident that some of his players would reach the country’s premier rugby league competition, the Digicel Cup.
“We have many great young players in Mamose,” he said.
“We picked a very strong side coming into this championship and to win the title wasn’t a surprise.
“My players displayed quality in their performance and this shows that their future in rugby league looks promising.
“In the next two years, we are confident that some of our players will reach the Digicel Cup.
“In the last couple of years, we held our schools championship and Lae Tigers recruited a number of our players.
“But with this year’s side and given how these championships were organised, I think more players from Northern will play in the semi-professional competition.
“Not only that, they have what it takes to make it into SP Hunters or play in high-level competitions.”
Paita said the championships would have a positive impact on the growth of rugby league in the country.