Gulf, Central teams get nod for Moresby nines comp

Sports

THE sixth Justin Tkatchenko Super Nines Cup has opened its doors to three new teams from Central and Gulf for the rugby league tournament which kicks off on March 2.
Tournament organisers said they received interest from the Rigo Senunu Range and Mekeo Ave from Central along with the Karu Kings from Moveave, Gulf.
Tournament director Bagelo Solien said the three teams represented untapped talents from the grassroots level.
“This is going to be their first time to be in such tournament,” he said.
“No big guns, no big-time experience, but just unknown village products ready to expose their talents and skills against some of the best rugby league nines teams in the city.”
Karu Kings owner Christopher Korearu said his players mostly comprised village youths from Kukipi and Moveave.
“This is going to be first time for all of them as they are raw talents looking to display their skills at this level,” he said.
Apart from the tournament’s regular sides, organisers said 22 new teams have shown interest in the 11-day event.
Making their debuts in the shorter version of rugby league are Gereka Sharks, Lahi Pawa, 24 Dusts, Taurama Medics, Senunu Rigo Range, Hat Wokman, Hohola, Muniogo Knights, RG Cowboys, Joyce Bay Sting Rays, Downtown Raiders, Mekeo Ave, Karu Kings, Kogeva Falcons, 313 Jets, Ugabega Pythons, Dobo Warriors, Six-Mile Tigers One, Six-Mile Tigers Two, Countryside Cowboys, ID 24 Tigers.
Solien said that did not mean that they were confirmed to compete in the tourney as they had yet to pay their registration fee to him at Moresby South Stadium.
He said the fee could also be deposited into Moresby South Rugby League’s Bank South Pacific Financial Limited Group account (No.7018142344) at the Boroko branch.