Highlands, Southern clinch titles

By JACK AMI
HIGHLANDS (men) and Southern (U20) are the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL)champions after the completion of the national trials at the Sir John Guise Stadium on Monday.
Highlands finished level on points with Southern, but a better differential saw them clinch the title after thrashing New Guinea Islands (NGI) 44-14 in their final match.
Highlands were further rewarded, with Justin Yoka and Jokadi Bire named the best back and the top try scorer respectively.
Workaholic utility Kaupa Rex was named the player of the tournament for the second consecutive season to give Southern some consolation for their effort.
NGI’s Junior Rupin was named the best forward. Rex said winning the award was a huge boost for a young player like him.
“This was made possible through teamwork,” he said.
“My teammates, family members and supporters helped me win this.”
In the U20s, Southern secured two wins and a draw to retain the title for the second successive year.
Southern’s Sanny Wabo and Sydney Kot were named the top try scorer and best forward respectively.
Mamose’s Charlie Andrew and NGI’s Dominic Anis Jr were named player of the tournament and best back respectively.
Meanwhile, PNGRFL chairman Sandis Tsaka said the next trials would be held in the Highlands, with the host province yet to be confirmed.
“We staged the trials in Mamose (Lae) and Southern (NCD). Now we should move it to the Highlands in 2019 and NGI next,” Tsaka said.
The National School Rugby League Championships are confirmed for Sept 14-16 at the National Football Stadium.
Men’s results: Highlands 16 Southern 10, Mamose 12 Highlands 8, Southern 20 Mamose 8, Southern 8 NGI 6, NGI 26 Mamose 18