Lae ready for big game

By LARRY ANDREW
MORE than 6000 fans are expected at the Lae Rugby League Oval for Sunday’s round 19 Q-Cup clash between the SP PNG Hunters and North Devils, according to Lae Rugby League administrator Adrian Chow.
The day will also see Digicel Cup defending champions Lae Snax Tigers take on competition leaders Enga Mioks in the first game of a double header.
Chow told The National that the Morobe capital was privileged to host the Hunters for the first time.
The only other venue the Hunters have played at outside Port Moresby is the Kalabond Oval in Kokopo, East New Britain.
“It’s a great opportunity for Lae and for all the people in this part of the country from the Highlands or Momase to see the Hunters live,” Chow said.
Chow said he was expecting the LRL’s 6000 capacity to be filled on game day. “The first game is a Digicel Cup match between defending champions Tigers and Mioks who are number one on the ladder.
“That’s an exciting game in itself and we expect a lot of supporters from Enga and the Highlands to be coming down to support their teams and then off course Q-Cup champions Hunters host the Devils.”
In terms of security, Chow said they had liaised with Lae police to provide crowd control.
Chow commended the Hunters management for their initiative to bring a Hunters game to Lae.
“The Hunters realised that their fans aren’t just in Port Moresby but all over the country and we commend them for bringing a game to Lae,” Chow said.
Chow said LRL had to ensure that their venue was up to standard to host an Q-Cup match.
“We made improvements to our field and facility and to our management as well for this game.”
Meanwhile, tickets (K50) are on sale at Brian Bell Plaza (Mangola St), Anderson Foodland (Eriku) and Footmart (Town) .