Former Kumul Bire welcomes TNA Lions

By ZACHERY PER
FORMER Kumul forward Ben Bire has welcomed the emergence of TNA Lions from Kundiawa to represent the Simbu people in the 2012 Digicel Cup competition.
He spoke on behalf of former rugby league players, technical officials and rugby league followers and supports in Chimbu.
He thanked new franchise owner and TNA managing director Gerald Phillips for taking a bold step to ensure the province continues to have a provincial team in the semi-professional competition.
Philips came on board after Kongo Coffee withdrew its sponsorship for the Warriors last week.
Bire said Chimbu was known for producing prominent Kumuls in the likes of Bal Numapo, Ben Bire, Johanes Kola, Joe Gande, Jopa Gomia, Noah Kul, Maima Kawage and John Unagi just to name a few.
“To go on and off the rugby league scene (Warriors) is not in the best interest of Digicel Cup and the rugby league competition in PNG.
“It is very good to see Gerard Philips come on board to ensure Simbu has a team in the competition,” he said.
He said it was a way forward for Simbu to continue to expose raw talents and minimise law and order problems mainly caused by youths.
Bire called on the Chimbu provincial government to support the Lions campaign in the Digicel Cup this year.
Bire said the selection of players and team officials must be based on merit to avoid “wantok system”.
He also thanked Jerry Kapka, managing director of Kongo Coffee for sponsoring Simbu Warriors and helping develop rugby league in Chimbu over the past two seasons.