Defending champions get Henganofi’s backing

By ZACHARY PER
RUGBY League will live on “whether it is a rainy or sunny day or a time to play politics” Henganofi MP Robert Atiayafa, pictured, says.
Atiyafa said in Eastern Highlands the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis was the province’s flag carrier and despite divisions in the province when it came to the club in the Digicel Cup it was the one unifying factor.
He made these comments while presenting K50,000 as co-sponsor for the club in 2019.
Lahanis franchise owner Simon Sia and team manager Tom Pori along with assistant manager Benji Filele received the cheque on behalf of the club.
Atiyafa said he had strove to give money to the Lahanis every year since he became Member for Henganofi in 2012.
Atiyafa, who is also chairman of the Constitutional Law Review Commission (CLRC), has so far given K400,000 to Lahanis.
“I will continue to co-sponsor the Lahanis so long as I am in office, on behalf of the people of Henganofi because some players are from my district,” he said.
Atiyafa called on the Eastern Highlands government and other MPs from the province to support the Lahanis as well.
He also called on other business houses especially the coffee companies in Goroka and Kainantu to to chip in support as their industry was supported by the province’s small holders some of whom had their sons playing for the Goroka Lahanis.
Lahanis team manager Tom Pori thanked Atiyafa for his support.
He said apart from Atiayafa, Chuave MP Wera Mori was the other politician who had backed the club over the years.
Pori said running a Digicel Cup franchise was a costly exercise and he thanked all those who had come in to help maintain the team and its players.
“I thank Robert Atiayafa and Wera Mori for their continuous support,” Pori said.