Former Chimbu Kumuls riled over shooting

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The National- Thursday, February 10, 2011

 By ZACHERY PER

FORMER Kumuls from Chimbu have strongly condemned the fatal shooting of rugby league icon Aquila Emil in Port Moresby last week.

Former Kumuls Ben Bire, Bal Numapo, John Unagi, Johannes Kola, Wamil Gul and Maima Kawagle, who were teammates of the late Emil told The National from Kundiawa earlier in the week that for someone who dedicated his time to developing rugby league, this was a terrible loss for the game.

Bire, who spoke on behalf of the group, said it was a pity to hear the death of Emil while describing the killer as a coward who should be put behind bars for a long time.

“Killing someone in any manner over such a trivial matter is an act of a coward especially when he used a gun.

“It is a sign of a person who does not care for life,” he said.

Bire said the group condemned the killing of their former teammate and called on authorities to ensure that the suspect, Dr Theo Yasause, be fully investigated. 

On Emil, the group remembered a champion competitor who was not only a great player but  aslo a good ambassador for the sport. 

“He had class and an entertaining style in attack and showed this against some of the world’s best like Allan Langer and Laurie Daley and was truly admired and respected as a player.”

Bire added that those who selflessly gave their time to development as Emil had deserved better.