NRLPNG opens its new office for Mamose

NATIONAL Rugby League Papua New Guinea (NRLPNG) opened a new office in Lae on Tuesday, as part of an effort to continue developing rugby league and good citizens throughout the country.
NRLPNG country manager Cathy Neap told The National that the programme was piloted in the National Capital District in 2013.
Offices were then established in Goroka, Kokopo (both in 2014) and Bougainville (2015) before the most recent addition in the Morobe capital.
“It shows that we are growing,” Neap said.
“We’re covering all the confederates – Southern, Northern, Highlands and New Guinea Islands – and wace’re proud of that.
“The programme is supported and fully funded by the Australian Government through the Pacific Sports Partnerships programme.
“Our programme teaches kids, using rugby league as a vehicle to deliver key messages.
“We teach them to have respect for themselves, others and the environment.
“We also teach them the importance of education.
“Sports may take us a short distance in life, but education will help us throughout our journey and look after us when we are adults.”
Neap said they also ran awareness programmes — including those of gender-based violence — for rugby league teams, adults and youths in communities.
“Basically, we use rugby league drills to educate them about what is gender-based violence and what we can do to help address violence and gender inequality in the country,” she said.
“We also have holiday clinics where Digicel Cup teams support us in delivering these messages to kids who look up to the semi-professional players as role models.
“So whenever we have SP Hunters or Lae Tigers players taking part, the kids are really excited and they like to listen to them. We believe that that’s how Digicel Cup teams and the Hunters can have an impact on the children’s lives.”
Neap said their programmes included mini modified rugby league games.
“We see that these programmes are important because they change lives,” she said.
“We make a difference in people’s lives, so it’s important for us to also be role models in communities.”