Koiari league final hailed as entertaining decider

SUNDAY’S Koiari Rugby League grand final in Sogeri, Central, has been hailed as one of the most entertaining deciders among spectators, players and officials.
Boasting the likes of PNG Kumul Edene Gebbie and former international Josiah Abavu, Dona Minas beat Sirinumu Pukpuks 26-18.
Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League Southern confederate administrator Indy Verena congratulated the people of Sogeri for a peaceful final.
“The season ended wonderfully because for the first in a long time, we got to see a quality game of rugby league finish on good terms,” he told The National.
“The league stepped up to apply protocols for the finals with everything falling into place on Sunday and this is a great achievement for a competition outside of Port Moresby.
“The result was that everyone who attended the final saw the game from a new perspective and that’s the way we can take the game forward.
“We’ve helped to introduce concepts in the league like the captain’s run with both teams for the senior division.
“This was a new thing so it really helped with everyone knowing their roles and the match eventually followed through smoothly.
“The people of Koiari are really happy with the set-up and much of the success goes to Victor Mea (league match coordinator) and his team who paved the way in getting both teams on the same page with the rules and what was expected of them.”
Verena said it was important that league officials in their respective confederates organise and manage their competitions properly to help improve players for the future.