Death saddens PNGRFL, sports family

THE Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League and the sport’s family around the country and abroad are saddened by the news of the passing of another former PNG Kumul great George Moni.
Moni, 39, died at his Moge Andakas village near Mt Hagen on Wednesday after a short illness.
Chairman Sandis Tsaka said Moni debuted as Kumul No.216 against Wales in Brigend as a prop on Oct 28, 2007 with the likes of Charlie Wabo, Nickson Kolo, Rodney Pora, Joseph Omae and Rod Griffin.
He went on to represent PNG on eight occasions. Moni began his rugby league career in 2001 with Gomis Panthers in the Mt Hagen competition.
In 2005, he played for the Chemica Hagen Cowboys in the Inter City competition. From 2006 to 2008, Moni played with the Mendi Muruks in the PNGNRL competition.
In 2009 and 2010, he joined Gurias and won premierships.
In 2011, he returned home to play with the Hagen Eagles. The following year played with the Lae Tigers for one season and returned to the Eagles for the 2013 season.
In 2016, Moni went back to the Wigmen and hung up his boots after winning the premiership.
“George mentored many players who are excelling in rugby league today,” Tsaka said. “His contribution to the development of rugby league has been immense and will be greatly missed.”
Tsaka extended the league’s condolences to Moni’s family.
“On behalf of the PNGRFL and the greater rugby league family, we extend our sincere sympathies and condolences to his beloved wife Maggie, daughter Jamila, son Samuel and immediate family on the loss of her husband and their dad.”
A funeral service will be held today followed by the burial at Moge Andakas village in Mt Hagen.