League launched

By ISAAC LIRI
THE Marshall Lagoon Rugby Football League (MLRFL) was launched at the Kupiano Station in Abau, Central, on Friday.
MLRFL president Percy Eovua said Aug 10 would be remembered as a special date for rugby league in Abau.
Coinciding with the launch were several pre-season games played by sides from the Aroma Coast, Cloudy Bay, Gaboune and Kelerakwa.
“We understand that rugby league has been missing for years and we are really hungry for the game to be played regularly here in the capital of Abau — Kupiano,” Eovua said.
“From what I know, there are 12 clubs interested to compete in the MLRFL, but we will finalise that when our season begins this month.
“Rugby league is loved by many people in Abau but there is no pathway.
“That’s why we hope the launch of MLRFL will pave a way forward for our players to go on to play in the Southern Confederation, the Papua New Guinea Hunters and the PNG Kumuls.
“We also understand that the Central Dabaris bid team is working hard to put a team in the Digicel Cup and the MLRFL will support the franchise.”
The launch was witnessed by Central Dabaris bid team coach Chris Enara, former PNG Kumuls and board member Eddie Aila, Southern Confederation director Gwaibo Mairi, Abau district chief executive Trevor Tararau and ward councillors.
Mairi, as the representative of Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League, said the setting up of a rural affiliation was timely because it would support the bid team as a feeder competition.
Mairi said the confederation would support the MLRFL and invite the affiliation to participate in the Southern trials next year.
Enara said the MLRFL was dead for some years and reviving it was a way forward for the Dabaris.