Lagatois want in on Digicel Cup

 A NEW franchise could feature in the 2014 Digicel Cup rugby league competition.

With four games left before the finals, the NCD Suburban Lagatois have submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the PNG National Rugby League.

Port Moresby Suburban Rugby League president Billy Aki said yesterday the Lagatois had submitted their EOI through the office of deputy city manager social services, Honk Kiap.

Aki said Kiap had confirmed talks with PNGNRL manager Hubert Warupi on the Lagatois interest in the 2014 Digicel Cup season.

The Lagatois will draw players from the Port Moresby Suburban Rugby League competition and other rural competitions in Pari, Poreporena, Tubuseria, Koiari and Porebada.

Aki said they had a strong case to back their bid as they would use the Kone Tigers as their home ground, while the Port Moresby Vipers and Gulf Isapea would be without a home ground when the PRL undergoes upgrading for the 2015 Pacific Games.

Aki said it had been his dream to have a Digicel Cup team and he was grateful that NCD Governor Powes Parkop and his administration, through Kiap, had given their financial backing for the Suburban league to enter a semi-professional rugby league side in the country’s premier competition.

He said the Lagatois would have regular trials from now until next year to scout for players.