Kumuls great’s passing saddens PNGRFL, says Tsaka

THE Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) and the rugby league community around the country are saddened by the news of the passing of Kumuls great David Noifa.
Noifa, aged 56, died at his Warala village in Banz, Jiwaka, on Sunday after a short illness.
PNGRFL chairman Sandis Tsaka said Noifa debuted as Kumul No.80 as a centre against New Zealand in Auckland on Oct 2, 1983.
“David and fellow Kumul Joe Katsir were named in a Rest of the World side that included Mal Meninga and Wally Lewis to play France around that time,” Tsaka said. David was a former member of the PNGRFL selection panel.
Up to the time of his death, he was a selector for the Highlands Confederation.
He was heavily involved in the National Schools Rugby League and grassroots programmes in Jiwaka.
“His contribution to the development of rugby league in the Highlands and PNG has been immense and will be greatly missed,” Tsaka said.
“On behalf of the PNGRFL and rugby league family, we extend our sincere sympathies and condolences to his mother, beloved wife and five children and their families on the passing of their son, husband and dad,” Tsaka said.
Highlands Confederate Director Joe Tokam also sent his condolences to Noifa’s family and relatives.
“David has been supporting me since 2008 in the development of the game until his sudden passing and I will greatly miss him,” said Tokam, who has known David since the late 1970s.
The family is finalising funeral arrangements.