Nagavas emphasise importance of pathways

SOUTHERN Super League team Koiari Nagavas have reiterated the importance of establishing clear pathways for players who meet the standard of rugby league at the national level.
Nagavas head coach Norris Selu said the league’s introduction had prompted teams to identify and expose talents at a higher level in preparation for Digicel Cup opportunities.
“I’ve been helping Port Moresby Rugby Football League club Dobo Warriors for a while now,” he said.
“Coming back to our local league (in Sogeri), the competition may not be tough.
“The idea of forming Dobo was to get players to play in a tougher competition for chance to be selected for the Southern Confederation squad.
“We’re now considering a restructure.
We’re looking to select Nagavas players for Dobo.
“We’re thankful to Southern Super League chairman Bagelo Solien and secretary Indy Verena because the second-tier competition has created more opportunities for our players.
“It’s an ongoing process, but what we’re all trying to do is get our players to a standard that prepares them for the game at a higher level.”
Selu said Southern Super League players had a better chance of transitioning well to the country’s premier rugby league competition, the Digicel Cup.
Meanwhile, Verena reiterated the competition’s strict guidelines prior to the resumption of the inaugural season on Friday.
He said only team officials and players were allowed to enter Moresby South Stadium.