K20,000 prize for Sepik 9s

By SULI SULI
A TOTAL of K20,000 in prize money is on offer for the annual Agmark Sepik Nines rugby league tournament which will take place in Maprik, East Sepik, from Oct 21-22, says an official.
Tourney director and Sepik Pride chairman Bradley Simon said a cultural festival would be held on the eve of the two-day tournament.
“This year, we wanted to do the event differently,” he said.
“We want to do a bigger one.
“For the past two years, we’ve being hosting the tournament in Wewak.
“But this time, we will have it in Maprik.
“We’re giving an opportunity to the locals to display their traditional products and cultural activities, so they’re part of our programme.
“We have also increased the winning prize money from K15,000 to K20,000.”
The Agmark-sponsored event, supported by Rabaul Gurias, will be running for the third time with 20 men’s and 10 women’s teams expected to travel to Maprik.
Reigning premiers Hela Wigmen are also expected to compete in the tournament.
Simon said a slight rule change would now allow only four Digicel Cup players per team. This is to give an opportunity to upcoming players to showcase their talents.
“But only two of the four Digicel Cup players will be allowed to take the field at any one time,” he said.
“As much as possible, we want to see more rural talents, competing so they have the opportunity display their talents to impress the scouts of Digicel Cup franchises.”
The tournament will also be used to scout for potential prospects to be part of the Pride train-on squad for possible inclusion in the next Digicel Cup season.
“We’re awaiting approval from the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League and PNG National Rugby League Competition to compete in the Digicel Cup from next year,” Pride chief executive officer Arnold Krewanty said yesterday.
Meanwhile, four men’s and six women’s spots are still available for the tournament.