Let’s make rugby league safe for all

Hello to all our rugby league families in PNG and overseas from Rabaul. Welcome to the 25th edition of Coach’s Column in your favourite rugby league newspaper — The National.
I am in Radaz helping out with the local competitions as well as training with the selected school boys and girls who are preparing for their tour to Australia next week.
The other SP Hunters coaching staffs are doing the same. Glen Nami is in Goroka, Roderick Puname in Lae, Joe Bruno in Kimbe while Solo Kuluniasi, Moses Guise and Mong Tavol are in Port Moresby where the majority are from.
Even though the SP Hunters season is over, we will continue to help out with the school children and local competitions to keep them fit and focussed.
Congratulations to the Lae Snax Tigers for taking out the 2019 Digicel Cup premiership.
I commend Kroton Hela Wigmen for making it into the grand final after playing sudden-death games against Agmark Gurias, Bintangor Goroka Lahanis and JPG Waghi Tumbe.
And they didn’t disappoint as they were still in the game until about 15 minutes to the end when the Tigers pulled away.
I deplore the actions of supporters and fans that caused trouble after the game in Boroko.
Please don’t spoil the game and cause trouble for women, children and families who attend and watch a game of rugby league.
Remember, there is only one winner. Always respect the people and facilities around you.
Well done to the SP Hunters players who received awards at the presentation night last week.
We had a terrible season but I want to congratulate you all for being there until the very last game. A big thanks to your families. The lessons this year will be invaluable for next season.
This was my last event to attend as head coach. As Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League chairman Sandis Tsaka announced, I will be around for another three years.
As soon as an official announcement is made on my new role, I will give you an overview and plans through this column.
The Intrust Super Cup finals series started last week with upset results. All home teams lost their matches to the visiting teams. And the scores were close so we look forward to an exciting week two of the finals.
The NRL finals series starts this weekend. Justin Olam’s patience and hard work is paying off. Storm coach Craig Bellamy has fine-tuned him to play in the finals of the world’s best and toughest rugby league competition.
The Rugby League World Cup Nines will be held in Sydney in four weeks — Oct 18 and 19. Our Kumuls and Orchids will be participating.
NRL have protocol policies on team announcements so the PNGRFL will announce both squads as soon as this has been cleared.
Southern Confederate made a clean sweep of the national championships in Lae last week by winning the women’s, Under-20 and men’s titles. Well done to everyone that participated.
Keep playing well at your leagues and confederates.
On that note, most leagues are in their finals series now. To those teams that did not make it, review where you went wrong.
Those in the finals, all you can do is give your best. Tensions will be high but remember there can only be one winner.
Again, respect those who attend the games, the facilities and most of all your sponsors and families who support you.
Many sports will be holding their championships during the Independence weekend. Good luck to you all.
Until, next week play hard, play safe and play by the rules in whatever sport you are competing in.
And if you are a spectator and support, please remember that there is no room for violence in any game on and off the field.
Happy 44th Independence to our beloved Papua New Guinea! Let’s all celebrate as one people and one nation.

Cheers,
Mikz