Marape encourages aspiring rugby league players in Jiwaka

By JINA AMBA
YOUNG, aspiring Jiwaka rugby players were fortunate to receive encouragement and empowerment from Prime Minister James Marape and other sports officials last month.
Marape visited the Minj Rugby League Oval to launch the Jiwaka Governor’s Cup on Jan 31.
He encouraged youths to refrain from drugs and alcohol, and focus on sports.
Marape encourage students to take up rugby league and not just play the sport as a recreational activity.
Through the National Gaming Control Board, he gave K50,000 to the Jiwaka Governor’s Cup organisers.
Jiwaka Governor William Tongamp said the Cup started in 2013.
He said a lot of leagues had been established in Nondgul, Banz, Kondol, Fatima, Kimil, Kondopina, Anglimp, Avi, Kindeng, Kudjip and Minj.
Tongamp said Cup players were selected to join Waghi Tumbe in the inter-city competition.
Administrator Joe McConnor said a lot of youths had showed interest in the competition.
“This is the breeding ground for many Digicel Cup teams,” he said.
“They come here to recruit players.
“Whatever is left, we select them into the Tumbe squad.”
Former Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition manager Stanley Hondina and SP Hunters head coach Matthew Church accompanied Marape to launch the Governor’s Cup.