New Ireland rugby league nines tournament ends on high note

A THREE-DAY New Ireland nines rugby league tournament ended on a high note in Namatanai on Sunday.
A total of 12 teams took part in the tournament. There were four teams each — two male and two female sides — from Kavieng, Konos and Namatana.
They were selected from district tournaments earlier this year.
The games were lively with players showcasing their skills and fitness.
The tournament proved entertaining for Namatanai residents.
In the end, it was Kavieng that claimed the men’s and women’s titles. Kavieng Men’s Team Two beat Sentral One 4-0 and Kavieng Women’s Team One beat Sentral Two by the same scoreline. According to provincial rugby league officials, the tournament was held to select players for the Papua New Guinea Games.
“We are scouting talents from tournaments like this,” Kavieng rugby league coordinator Mathew Kataka said.
“We will monitor each player for the PNG Games.” Namatanai Rugby League president Albert Tora said New Ireland rugby league had reached a new level with a schools development programme in place.
The tournament was made possible through the major sponsorship of the New Ireland government and prizes were sponsored by Namatanai elite Leon Buskens.