Motu Koita Lagatois keep training, await approval

By PARKER TAMBUA
THE Motu Koita Lagatois have been training since January while waiting for Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition’s (PNGNRLC) approval on their bid to participate in the Digicel Cup this season.
Franchise manager Arthur Patrick told The National yesterday their 30-man squad picked from the Motu Koita Rugby League and Port Moresby Rugby League club Hanuabada Hawks.
“Training started last month (January) and almost 30 players are currently in training while we wait for approval by PNGNRLC,” he said.
“The bulk of the players that we recruited are from Motu Koita Rugby League with a good number of players also coming from our team from Port Moresby Rugby Football League, the Hanuabada Hawks.”
Patrick said if their bid was successful would also consider recruiting from other centres in the country.
He said the Lagatois would consider recruiting some forwards from other regions.
However, he said the team’s selection criteria would give preference to Motu Koita players.
“I believe we would need some forwards and we would consider recruiting from other centres,” Patrick said.
“But priority is given to the Motu Koita players. We have a pool of talent to pick from.
“We have Motu Koitabu heritage players who are playing in the POMRFL.
“There are some forwards who are half parentage of Central and Highlands that we are keeping eye of as well.
“Also, there are a good number of players of our heritage playing with the Dabaris and definitely we are in contact with them,” he said.
Meanwhile, Brisbane Broncos’ PNG duo David Mead and Xavier Coates have backed the Lagatois to join the Digicel Cup.
Patrick said Mead and Coates presented a signed Broncos jersey to the chairman of Motu Koita Assembly and Lagatois patron Dadi Toka Jr in Brisbane last week.