Four Western sides compete at Southern 9s

WESTERN has four teams competing in the Southern Nines rugby league tournament as part of selection trials for Fly River Storms who are seeking to enter the Digicel Cup from next season.
The teams — Western Barras, West 10 Reds, Western Flyers and Balimo Swamp Dwellers — are from Waliya, which has been affiliated to the Port Moresby Suburban Rugby League for the last two seasons.
Barras coach Marty Medo said the purpose was due to the Storms using the country’s biggest nines tournament as a selection platform.
“This is a typical Middle Fly team. We have the same understanding as we look to do our best in every match,” he said yesterday.
“I’m exposing my players at this level so they can experience the competitiveness of the tournament and improve their skills
“It has so far been a great experience for us. We’re hopeful of making the cup playoffs after winning two and losing one today. We were fortunate to secure the services of Gulf Isou’s Moses Okopela to lead.”
Sportz Events executive director Ivan Ravu said Storms selectors were scouting for potential talent at the tournament, which is being played at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.