Mairi justifies zone trial venue

 THE Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League Southern Regional Director Gwaibo Mairi is disappointed with comments raised by Port Moresby Rugby League Board chairman Samson Unage.

Mairi (pictured left) was responding to Unage’s claims that next week’s  Southern Zone championship  was better off being staged in Port Moresby rather than at Kwikila station.

Mairi said the comments were disrespectful to the smaller rural leagues in Southern region.

“I’m staging this tournament in Kwikila to promote, develop and market the code to the rural population where many talents are,” Mairi said.

“His (Unage’s) call on going ‘bush’ is shallow and illogical as PNGRFL is committed to the grassroots level and this includes talents from all around the Papua region. 

“The Kwikila oval is under maintenance work and surface will be ready for the trials.” 

Mairi said POMRFL as the biggest league in the Southern region and PNG under Unage had done little to develop the sport in the region.

He said Unage (pictured right) needed to get his priorities right and select the best possible team to participate in the tournament to select the Southern Zone side for the National Zone matches late this year.

Rigo, Pom Suburban, Aroma Coast, Marshall Lagoon, All Sound Bay (Kairuku), Balimo, Tabubil/Kiunga, Popondetta, Kupiano, Porebada, Boera, Kerema, Koiari and Alotau.

He said selectors would be appointed to select the best to represent Southern Zone.