Mou bemoans league’s lack of undertaking for pioneer

 By JACK AMI

A FORMER rugby league representative from the late 1970s, Greg Mou, said in light of the media coverage of Kumul great Tara Gau’s recent death, it was unfortunate another former Kumul Poka Kila, who died earlier in the month, was not accorded the same response.

Mou said although it was pleasing to see the rugby league fraternity come together to acknowledge the contributions of former Kumuls, he was disappointed nothing was done for Kila, who played for the Kumuls from the late 1970s to the 1980s.

Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League chief executive officer Bob Cutmore said his office was not notified of Kila’s passing but added that it was only fitting to acknowledge Kila, who was a “great halfback for us”.

Mou said having the league’s top administrators turn out for Gau’s funeral on Tuesday was touching and a big sign of respect and reverence for the Kumul forward but he felt Kila’s contribution to the sport also needed to be acknowledged. Mou said Kila was a forgotten hero and it was only fitting for someone to say something.

“The Poka family put a notice in the paper after his death but no one from the PNGRFL, Southern Confederation or even the Tarangau club attended his haus krai to pay their respects,” Mou said. 

“The late Kila inspired talents like Tarangau’s Gesau Gebobo and Mafu Kerekere, who would go on to play for the Kumuls.”

Mou said he was heartened to see former PNGRFL administrator Dawa Solomon, former cricketer Charles Amini and journalist Cletus Ngafkin paying their respects. Late Kila was laid to rest at his Makerupu village last Friday.