Lae to host Hunters

By Martha Deruage
THE SP Hunters will play North Devil in their round 19 Q-Cup match in Lae on July 22.
The PNG rugby league made the announcement of the Sunday fixture yesterday to allow Morobe fans an opportunity to get close to the country’s favourite team and sportsmen.
“After a number of weeks of testing and compliance checks, we have good news, it is official that the SP Hunters will play against North Devil at the Lae Rugby League ground in Morobe, on Sunday July 22,” PNGRFL chief executive officer Reatau Rau announced yesterday at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.
“Queensland Rugby League’s ISC competition manager Dave Maiden confirmed earlier this week that the outstanding issues in particular, the condition of the playing surface, and these has been met, and the game will proceed as schedule,” he said.
“After four years we are now able to take the Intrust Super Cup game, the country round, away from Port Moresby apart from the early rounds a few years back in Kokopo.
“That is good news for Lae residents and people from the Highlands who could have the chance to travel and watch the game.
“The Lae Rugby league officials, administrator Adrian Chow have been constantly updating QRL and we are happy that the green light has been granted.”
The curtainraiser for the country clash will have Digicel Cup round 16 fixture between Lae Snax Tigers and the Enga Mioks.
“I am glad to announce that both franchises will be involved in promoting the country week theme with the SP PNG Hunters,” Rau said.
The theme of the country week is “get in the game” and this includes community engagements and conducting coaching clinics, with the SP Hunters and staff to attend.
Rau said the Queensland Rugby League had advised that activities such as clinics, school visits, junior league visits, coaching, referee courses updated and female participation visit must be undertaken at each host venue.
Ticket prices and outlets for tickets will be announced next week.
Both games will be televised.