Kerema 9s to identify village talent

By JACK AMI
THE main focus of the Kerema Rugby League Nines (March 1-3) is to give talented players from the villages an opportunity to get into the season.
Tournament director Murray Feaviri said there were many youths with the physical attributes to become good players and it was part of his duty to give these young men a chance to play in a competition and develop their interest.
He said some of the players could go on to play in Port Moresby if identified and recruited by scouts as well as playing in the Digicel Cup.
He said players could also vie for places in the national squad for overseas tournaments.
Feaviri said Kikori, Lelefiru, Koaru, Murua Iokea and Lese Oalai had shown interest but had yet to register in the tournament.
The Kerema Urban teams are champions Siviri Young Tigers, Komara and Pariva Sharks.
Port Moresby’s Gulf West are the only out-of-province side expected to play.
Presently, only Siviri Young Tigers men’s and women’s have settled their affiliation fees of K500 each.
Feaviri appealed to interested teams to register before the deadline this weekend so that the draws could be drawn up.
“We need to change how we organise ourselves when it comes to getting ready to play in tournaments. That means teams have to register their teams on time and have them ready to play,” he said.
He said if the tournaments could be organised and managed well that would in turn attract potential sponsors to back future tournaments.
He added that players and teams would also benefit from taking part in a well-run tournament.
Feaviri said his management had also made it a priority to acquit all funds used for the tournament in order to be transparent and accountable.