League board focusing on maintaining standard

THE New Ireland Rugby League board has continued its commitment in setting and maintaining a standard of the game at the provincial and district levels.
Board chairman Benjamin Wakip told The National that the commitment from leagues and stakeholders in the province over the weekend was a testament to the board’s establishment. Wakip said league representatives, players and officials were among a number of locals who had taken action in restoring peace following the killing of two men in Kavieng on Friday.
“I am currently travelling with 10 young men, all from different ethnic groups who reside in different parts of the areas affected by the recent attacks on these areas,” he said.
“As a matter of precaution, I sought to hold them back from travelling into Kavieng, given the situation on the ground.
“We are of different backgrounds but our love for rugby league keeps us united together while the tensions are high in our communities.
“We are ready to help in restoring peace.
“Our vehicle of choice is the game of rugby league.
“Our interim executive is at this time shaping a proposal to drive continued brand messaging into the very heart of the league.
“Our associations and players will become ambassadors of change in our communities as we strive to establish rugby league in New Ireland as the premier family sport in the province.
“Sports has the power to change the world.
“It has the power to inspire.
“Sports has the power to unite people in a way that little else does,” Wakip said.