Feeder clubs back Isapea’s return to Digicel Cup

By JACK AMI
THE West Rugby League club of Port Moresby and the Kerema Rugby League, as feeders of the Gulf Isapea franchise, are backing their return for the 2018 PNG National Rugby League Competition.
West president Bobby Ako and his deputy Ben Solomon and Elvis Pyrikah pledged their support during a conference. “We will stand hand-in-hand with Isapea chairman Jacob Ivaroa and his board including the team management and await the outcome of the selections by PNGNRLC soon,” Pyrikah said.
“Isapea is a franchise that recognises potentials and has developed and exposed players from Gulf and other provinces.
“We always have a good relationship and mutual understanding with Ivaroa and the board over the years.
Pyrikah said the Kerema league was a feeder club for the Gulf franchise which had recruited 15 players with five making the final squad in 2016.
“We commend the assistance in cash or kind from the Isapea board annually,” he said.
“Isapea remains the franchise and flagship of the province in the PNGNRLC.”
Ako said as a feeder club, his executives remained faithful and loyal to Ivaroa.
“This is the only franchise from Gulf we are supporting to reenter the semi-professional competition in 2018,” Ako said. “Our registered players are committed.”