Lae rugby league team get uniforms

By GABRIEL LAHOC
JAKA Knights, a rugby league team comprising youths from Lae’s Miles area were recently supplied uniforms to boost their campaign in off-season competition in Lae, Morobe.
The uniforms were provided by a young lass from Western Highlands who considers rugby league a part of her life.
Michelle Kanamon,  27, manager with Timberline Products sponsored the set of uniforms for the players who are currently competing in the Lae off-season competition at Kamkumung.
Kanamon had been associated with rugby league at an early age when her late father Marx Kanamon was chairman of the Mt Hagen franchise, Eagles.
Her late uncle Andrew Kanamon also played in the Inter-city cup competition.
He played for the Eagles, the Lae Bombers, Enga Mioks and Rabaul Gurias, along with another family member Max Tiri.
“I am proud to support the sport because of my association with these people in rugby league. I have a sense of satisfaction that what I am doing is encouraging these young men to be involved in sports and community activities and keep out of trouble,” she said.
“There are a lot of stars with potential in sports out there. It is good to give these youths an opportunity to see whether rugby league is good for them and if so I will continue to support in whatever way possible.”
Trainer Juniba Della said the team would also be participating in the Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup competition under the name Marafri Knights.
Della said the morale of his players was high and expected them to enjoy the competition and hopefully see a couple of his players attracting the eyes of scouts and selectors.