Hanuabada league starts tomorrow

THE 2011 Rugby League season for Hanuabada village will kick-off tomorrow with 12 teams vying for the inaugural Ox & Palm Cup.
Hanuabada Rugby League (HBRL) received a timely boost by the support and competition naming rights from the Hugo Canning Company.
HCC general manager David Slape when handing over the sponsorship cheque said: “Ox & Palm is a proud Papua New Guinean product.
“It has been enjoyed by many families throughout the country for many years.
“We are pleased to support this event because rugby league brings these families together.
“Also, our understanding is rugby league in Hanuabada is not only a tournament held throughout the year but is a great vehicle to generate teamwork and conduct awareness campaigns for drugs and alcohol abuse to the youths in the village.
“We support this good community work by the board, and supporters, of the HBRL.”
Newly appointed chairman for HBRL Lohia Samuel was overwhelmed with the sponsorship.
He said league was not only the national sport in PNG but also in Hanuabada.
The code is also an important vehicle to fight the current social issues such as alcohol and drug abuse affecting the youths of the village.
The new board of HBRL will not only focus on the preparation, funding and operations of the season, but also address the community issues with all stakeholders of rugby league.
The 12 teams vying for the cup are Halagu, Diho, Tolly-Ice, Country, Isapea, City Dogs, Elex Titans, Eda Ranu Bese, Botaura SMEC, Brothers, Hokama Stihl Tigers and Didiends.
“We will launch the cup at a rally in the village tomorrow  so come and witness it at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium.”