Ex-Kumul passes on

FORMER Papua New Guinea Kumuls forward George Moni was described as an inspiration to the youth in his native Mt Hagen.
The 39-year-old, who passed away last week at his Biapuri village last Wednesday, claimed national attention in the mid 2000s when he won three premierships with the Mendi Muruks and represented the Kumuls.
Relative Alexander John said Moni’s death was a loss for the code in the province and country.
John said Moni had been sick for two years.
John said Moni’s love for the game would see him at the field on most weekends whether he was playing or not.
“He had a heart for the sport and wanted to promote and support it,” he said.
“His death is a loss for us and for the sport in Western Highlands.
“He was committed and a very humble person.”
John said Moni had been an inspiration to many young players and children. He was from the Moge Andakas tribe of Mt Hagen, Western Highlands.
Western Highlands has now lost two noted rugby league representatives in the last 12 months with former Mendi Muruks forward David Ako dying from injuries sustained after he was attacked in a night club in Mt Hagen last year. Both men had played in the Digicel Cup and also contributed to the development of the sport in the Highlands region and the country.