Dabaris planning for long-term goal

By ROBINSON LEKA
DIGICEL Cup team Central Dabaris completed their inaugural schools rugby league tournament with Kupiano taking out the title among six secondary schools at Iarowari, Sogeri, on Sept 22.
The tournament saw Redscar, Laloki, Mainohana, Kwikila, Iarowari and Kupiano play their regular-round matches before Mainohana and Laloki were eliminated.
The tournament progressed to the preliminary finals across two pools with Kwikila playing Redscar while Iarowari faced Kupiano.
Kupiano (defeated Iarowari 4-0) and Redscar (beat Kwikila 8-6) advanced to the final where Kupiano eased to a 26-4 victory.
Dabaris programme coordinator Indy Verena told The National that the inaugural tournament was a success with students and teachers taking centre stage in a peaceful event.
“Despite short notice, all the schools came together for the tournament at Sogeri,” he said.
“The tournament was a success. Iarowari students did an excellent job in looking after everyone.
“One thing that I noticed was that the tournament ended trouble-free.

“ The partnership we’ve created with all the schools has helped us greatly to get to us where we are today.”

“I have to commend the students and teachers.
“Most times, we would have one or two people causing trouble, but this tournament was nothing like that.
“Everyone played their best rugby league and we got to see one school come out on top with a grand finish.
“The partnership we’ve created with all the schools has helped us greatly to get to us where we are today.
“The franchise was able to help with logistics and catering for everyone.
“In return, the schools were excited and played some entertaining rugby league.”
Tournament director Verena said the event also gave a chance for the Dabaris to assist each school with training and coaching duties, allowing everyone to network meaningfully.
A total of 20 youngsters were scouted during the tournament with the Dabaris doing background checks on the players who would join the franchise’s academy next year.
Meanwhile, the Dabaris board said the tournament was part of the franchise’s pathway programme with plans underway for a rugby league academy in the province.

Dabaris director Hubert Warupi said the academy was part of the club’s commitment to the Central government in developing rugby talents.
“It is all part of building a strong foundation for the Dabaris to be competitive in the next 10 to 20 years by developing our own rugby league players,” he said.
“The schools have already established support systems and the Dabaris will assist with high performance, skills training, and transfer and tournaments.

“The goal of this tournament was to determine the champion school in the province.
“But more importantly, set the direction for Governor Robert Agarobe’s rugby league academy programme for Iarowari Secondary School and the curriculum content with the provincial education adviser.
“Following the tournament, a list of names will be announced as soon as we discuss further with the schools to do background check on players who are eligible for the Agarobe initiative to build the rugby league academy at Iarowari Agriculture and Technical School.
“The board acknowledges the continued support of the Central government and Governor Agarobe’s vision to use sport as a tool to build human resources in the province.
“We also acknowledge support from Isikeli Taureka, of Kumul Consolidated Holdings, who is backing rugby league development initiatives.”