Nines rugby league competition growing

By BRADLEY MARIORI
THE Lae Biscuit Company Snax 9s has grown from a 16-team inaugural challenge to a 28-team tournament since its first edition in 2014.
The tournament was initiated as competition to attract and identify talent for Digicel Cup franchise Lae Snax Tigers.
The Tigers have unearthed talented players from the tournament over its six-year existence which has helped the club claim three titles and several minor premierships, making it one of the most successful clubs of the last six seasons.
The confirmed teams participating will be announced early next week for the four-day 2020 Snax 9s Challenge set for Dec 17-20 at the Lae Rugby League Ground.
Tournament director Steven Malum said the aim was to include teams from a wide range of areas as well as ensuring quality.
Malum said the Snax 9s in Lae was a major tournament on the yearly calendar as it attracted a host of teams from the Highlands region and the New Guinea Islands and some from Port Moresby and other parts of the Southern region.
He said the tournament had grown over the years as it became an established fixture on the calendar attracting some of the best teams from around the country.
Malum said the tournament was mainly a Tigers recruiting tool but other franchises also benefited from it.
“We want to be fair and give an opportunity to other franchises as well to participate and scout potential players,’’ he said.
Malum said one of the great aspects about the tournament was the values it promoted in terms of discipline, respect, fair play and commitment to performing well, and providing a platform for new talent to emerge.
He said with Covid-19 having impacted many competitions the Snax 9s was a great rallying tournament for the sport to close out the year.
He said it was also a testament to sponsor Lae Biscuit Company’s commitment to sport, especially rugby league. Malum said from a playing perspective nines football with its emphasis on attack was both entertaining and encouraged bold and enterprising play and developed skills.
Meanwhile, registration and consent forms have been sent out to participating teams and a final medical check will be conducted once teams arrive in Lae prior to taking the field.
Teams are reminded that a full team consist of 20 players, and at anyone game only three Digicel Cup players can take the field.
“You can have 10 Digicel Cup players or more in your team but only three are allowed to be on the field at any one time,” Malum said.