League nines return ignites hope for expansion
The National, Thursday July 9th, 2015
Rugby League Nines organisers hope the return of the format to the Pacific Games after an eight-year absence will prove a springboard for the expansion of 9s in the region.
Last contested at the Samoa 2007 Pacific Games, rugby league 9s returns at Port Moresby 2015, with six nations to battle it out for medals in a two-day round-robin tournament.
Papua New Guinea, the only country in the world that calls rugby league its national sport, is the perfect stage for the renaissance of the nine-a-side format, according to technical director Tas Baitieri of the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF).
“It’s great to have rugby league 9s back in the Pacific Games, especially in PNG where the game is held in such high esteem,” Baitieri said.
“Everyone is excited to be here and looking forward to a great event.”
The Port Moresby 2015 Rugby League 9s competition features PNG, Fiji, Samoa Tonga, Cook Islands and Solomon Islands, who are making their debut in the event.
Last time out, Fiji won gold, Cook Islands claimed silver and Samoa collected bronze.
“It’s encouraging to have six countries participating and to welcome the Solomon Islands, who are joining the ‘traditional’ Pacific rugby league nations,” Baitieri said.
“It should be a great competition and any one of the six competing teams could take out the gold medal.”
Baitieri hopes this year’s return to the regional spotlight will drive the expansion of league 9s in future Games.
“Our objective is to increase our number to 10 nations with the inclusion of Niue, Vanuatu, American Samoa and Tokelau,” Baitieri said.
“We hope to introduce women’s league 9s to the Games as well.”
The Pacific Games league 9s tournament runs from 12-7pm on Saturday, July 11 (round-robin matches) and 12-5pm on Sunday, July 12 (remaining round-robin matches and finals).
The action kicks off with Samoa versus Fiji, followed by Cook Islands taking on Solomon Islands, then PNG facing Tonga in the first round of games.
Selected matches will be broadcast live across the Pacific, including in PNG (EMTV), Australia (NITV) and New Zealand (Maori TV).