New Ireland works on five-year plan to make rugby league No.1

NEW Ireland is set to embark on a five-year development plan with its aim of making rugby league the premier sport in the province.
According to New Ireland Rugby League interim chairman Denis Gati, the plan will look to facilitate coaching programmes for men, women and schools.
He said the plan would also facilitate referee programmes, and introduce provincial and club championships.
Gati said their next step would be to push for a provincial team, known as the Ailan Chiefs, in the Digicel Cup next season.
“The strength of our player base is seen in the thriving local competitions,” he said in a statement.
“We have three strong associations (Lihir, Namatanai and Kavieng) in the province.
“With different forms of the game being showcased, from nines to the 13-a-side competition, rugby league is thriving in our province and only needs a strong professional foundation to take our players to the next level.”
Gati said it was their vision to promote inclusivity and change the attitude of youths in the province.
“We will promote rugby league as more than just a sport, touching and enriching lives at every level of our society,” he said.
“We believe we can reach our strategic goals and positively impact the lives of everyone in the province.”
Gati said although the road ahead would be challenging, he urged people in the province to get behind New Ireland Rugby League to make their plan a success.