Hunters’ Country round match to be played in Lae

THE SP PNG Hunters will play their Q-Cup round 19 fixture against the Norths Devils at the Lae Rugby League Ground, Queensland Rugby League competition manager Dave Maiden said.
The Digicel Cup between the Lae Tigers and Enga Mioks will be the curtain-raiser to the Q-Cup fixture.
Maiden made the announcement in Port Moresby yesterday with the venue change part of the Q-Cup Country round where the teams take their fixtures to the bush or outlying country areas —rugby league’s heartland.
Maiden said he had inspected the Lae facility and said it would need to be upgraded, particularly the playing surface, with a final inspection on June 15.
“The surface needs work to be done and another site inspection after three weeks to confirm that,” Maiden said. “It’s of paramount importance that the surface is upgraded which Lae Rugby League headed by administrator Adrian Chow has ensured us that it will be.
“Good surface and facilities also contribute to having a better of the game and competition.
“We’re excited in taking the game to the country with different environments for players to see.
“This will be an experience for the Aussie players to come out here and play in Lae besides National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.
Maiden said Lae had the other support facilities to make the “Get in the Game” Country week round fixture a success.
Hunters chairman Graham Osborne said Lae was selected ahead of Kimbe and Kokopo based on revenue and it was viable to stage it there.