Dabaris partnership to continue

By ROBINSON LEKA
CENTRAL Dabaris and Koiari Rugby Football League will continue their partnership with the association pledging their support as a feeder league to the Digicel Cup franchise this year. League president Victor Mea said it was an important partnership which would provide an opportunity to export their players to the semi-professional competition.
“(Papua New Guinea Kumul) Edene Gebbie is one of the notable players to come out from our league,” he said.
“At the time, we had to travel and have games outside before he got noticed by the SP Hunters. “This partnership helps to ease that burden of taking our boys out.” He said the partnership would bring selectors to them through the Dabaris. “We’ve had zone matches coordinated by the Dabaris and that’s how we get our best players recognised and there’s a chance for them to progress to the next level of the game,” he said.  “For this year, we’ve had a smooth running of games so far. From my observation, we’ve had a lot of Port Moresby-based players come up and we actually hosted a few players from Gulf Isou and the Dabaris. “The competition is into its fourth week and we’re planning on having 18 weeks of competition before we head into the finals.” Meanwhile, Dabaris development officer Indy Verena said the partnership added strength to the league’s administration and pathway programmes. “For Koiari to become a feeder league to the Dabaris and an affiliate under PNG Rugby Football League is a bonus when getting the game moving at the local level,” he said. “I’d really like to see Koiari take the lead in getting their administration in place and running their competition in accordance with the Covid-19 protocols.”