NCD schools hold rugby league matches to pick rep sides

By ROBINSON LEKA
THE National Capital District Schools Rugby League (NCDSRL) held matches over the weekend to pick teams for the upcoming Southern Confederation trials.
League president Arnold Gende told The National that the matches featured Under-14, U16 and U18 select sides from each electorate with about 640 students taking part.
“We have about four teams for the three electorates which is about 640 students,” he said.
“But we will only select for one team per division to go through which leaves us at 320 for the confederation trials.
“It has been a big ask for schools in their respective electorate competitions to come out and field teams and I commend teachers, volunteers and students for attending.
“The trials also include Motu-Koitabu teams who are the customary landowners of the capital city.
“Schools rugby league has been quiet for some time.
“But the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League has taken ownership of this programme and we’re beginning to revive interest among schools.” Meanwhile, competition sponsor and Moresby South administrator Aisop Mol said the programme was crucial for all schools in the city.
“Schools rugby league is the way to go,” he said.
“We have to reach them while they’re at that crucial age and instil with them good traits in rugby league.