Eagles name retained

 By HENRY MORABANG

THE national government through the National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has allocated K400,000 to sportsmen and women of Western Highlands.

The funding comes in two components – K350,000 to carry out renovation work on Rebiamul Oval and K50,000 to Mt Hagen Urban Off-season sports played throughout the Christmas – New Year period.

NGCB chief executive officer Simon Sanagke yesterday said the funding was sourced through community funds under the gaming board to support sports throughout the country.

Sanagke said the work on fences around Rebiamul Oval had already started while the proper seating for spectators would be up this month in preparation for the inter-city competition.

“The preparation has started to have a new Mt Hagen Eagles franchise return to its nest, Rebiamul Oval, in the coming season,” the NGCB chief said.

Mt Hagen rugby league will stage all its games at Rebiamul unlike previous years where matches were played at other venues.

Sanagke also used his business contacts to secure K200,000 from gaming service provider, Wantok Gaming System, to support Mt Hagen Eagles this year. 

He said Kuris name would be dropped because Mt Hagen Eagles rightfully belonged to the Mt Hagen RFL and the name would be retained.

Sanagke urged former Mt Hagen Eagles official Peter Bebi to accept the change, adding that Eagles players should come out of this competition only.  

He challenged the business community in Mt Hagen and local politicians to help put more focus into supporting sporting activities that would impact and bring changes to the community.