Liveras believes talents are hidden

THE bulk of the country’s elite rugby talents remain untapped, says a Papua New Guinea Rugby Union (PNGRU) official.
PNGRU administrator Ian Liveras said the majority of elite rugby talents had yet to be discovered because much of them were playing in outside centres.
He said that following the successful staging of the inaugural Get into Rugby Festival in Hula, Central, last week.
“We believe that getting our kids into rugby at an early age is important,” Liveras said.
“We’ve got to get the game out to the provincial unions because that’s where we believe our elite athletes are.
“Get into Rugby is a great initiative by World Rugby which has been developed for its member unions.
“With support from Oceania Rugby and the Pacific-Australian sports programme, it’s important that we have something running for our kids.”
Meanwhile, Hula Primary School sports master Joseph Bani said the festival had the potential to break new ground in the area which was dominated by volleyball, soccer and cricket.
“Rugby is a new sport around here and I’m sure there are few talents from this area who can go on to represent the country,” he said.
“But that’s something the schools and PNG Rugby will try to assist with.”