Morata league heads into round four with 23 teams

ROUND four of the Morata Offseason Rugby League Competition kicks off this weekend with matches in the men’s and women’s A-Grade and B-Grade divisions in Port Moresby.
Competition manager John Mauve told The National yesterday that a total of 23 teams were competing in two pools each across four divisions at the Kone Tigers Oval.
He said the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) had backed the league with K25,000.
“Big thanks to NCDC for stepping in as sponsors,” Mauve said.
“Our league has produced a good number of Digicel Cup stars over the years and it’s good to support such competition.
“The competition is only getting bigger.
“We had 21 teams last year and now we have two new teams which takes the total to 23.
“It’s a good avenue to keep youths occupied instead of getting involved in unproductive or unlawful activities.
“So we encourage more support from sponsors and people to come watch our games.”
Mauve said Lae Tigers rake Noel Joel was a product of the competition and that he hoped the league could produce more players for the Digicel Cup.
He said the competition would only have 11 rounds before the finals in January.
“Unlike the past, this season is short due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” Mauve said.
“I would also like to invite Digicel Cup players to join our league.
“There are no restrictions as it is an off-season competition.”
This weekend’s round kicks off tomorrow with Eastern Eels taking on Giburi Raiders in the A grade tomorrow (1pm kick-off) and M2 Mumuts battling Iaurogah Storm in the main game on Sunday (5pm).