Developing player base is a challenge for Sepik Pride, says Simon

DEVELOPING a player base for the Pride remains one of the biggest hurdles for rugby league in the two Sepik provinces, says project manager Bradley Simon.
He said rugby league was relatively new to East and West Sepik but having a franchise in the Digicel Cup would boost the development and outlook of the sport in the provinces. “What lies ahead for us now is trying to get the leagues in East and West Sepik organised,” Simon said.
“When we hosted the recent Agmark Nines, we noticed that our players were new to the speed of the game.
“But it was a good experience because we now know where we are.
“You could see local teams trying to keep up with the pace of the game.
“But I believe if we can attract senior players and coaches, it will help develop the talents in the two provinces.
“We still have a long way to go, but it’s a start.”
Meanwhile, East Sepik Governor Allan Bird said the bid was a trial that his government would use as a blueprint for sporting franchises in the province.
“Traditionally, we’re a football province,” he said.
“But the good thing about rugby league in Sepik was that since there weren’t too many people involved in the sport, it was easy to establish and fix the governance.
“You get the team out there after they’ve sorted themselves out and they’re able to produce financial reports and other administrative duties.
“Hopefully, other sports from Sepik that want to compete at the national level can follow that example of good governance.
“We will support sports in the province.”