Maprik hoping to secure major 9s comps

EAST Sepik’s Maprik district could host two major rugby league tournaments this year.
Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup East Sepik coordinator Brad Simon the Maprik Rugby League were in talks with CCIC organisers to stage two nines tournaments in the province in the last quarter of 2019.
“I’m proud to say Maprik Rugby league are in talks to possibly host both the Lae Snax 9s and Agmark 9s later this year,” Simon said.
The Lae Biscuit Company, through its Snax brand, have expressed their interest in backing a tournament in East Sepik and are understood to be behind the Maprik bid to host 2019 Snax 9s Sepik Challenge.
Talks started after Maprik United’s involvement at last year’s Snax 9s in Lae with organisers impressed by the team and organisation of the league.
“It will be a timely boost for the development of rugby league in Maprik and East Sepik,” he said.
“This is a great opportunity for our local talents in both East and West Sepik to showcase what they have and it will also help our drive to develop the talent in this region.”
Simon said two players, Raynol Anikata and Issach Mambu, from the Maprik league had been identified to join Digicel Cup franchise Lae Tigers next week.
“On other great news, I am also in discussions with the Agmark Gurias to possibly bring the Agmark 9s to Maprik.
“The Agmark 9s has reached Bougainville and it will be fitting to also reach East Sepik as Agmark is one of the leading cocoa buyers here in Wewak and Maprik as well.”
“This is just an update to what to expect for rugby league in East Sepik.
“Maprik rugby league has brought the Ipatas Cup here and now we’re looking to build off that success.
“We’re on a mission to help put East Sepik back on the map and I thank the Agmark Gurias and Stephen Nightingale as well as the Snax Tigers and Tim Rodgers and Stanlet Tepend for their help.”