Paga Panthers continue to develop new rugby league talents

ONE of the oldest clubs in the Port Moresby Rugby League (PRL), the Paga Panthers, continues a tradition of developing talent.
Team manager Jason Kiakari told The National that he was proud of the reputation the club had of developing young men to play the game as well as instilling other values.
“We take pride in that in a respectful and humble way,” he said.
“The players that come through this club not only move on to play in Digicel Cup or represent the country, but are some of the most disciplined players.”
The Panthers club have always been a regular in the finals of the PRL and also feature in other offseason competitions as well as the Ipatas Cup. A famous name in the rugby league community Roger Laka, started his league career with the Panthers in the development squad and moved on to play for the Enga Mioks and then on to SP Hunters. Laka now advises the next generation of playmakers at the club.
Kiakari said many players were starting follow Laka’s footsteps and had gotten call-ups to join Digicel Cup franchises.
“We have players like Stanford (Talita), Peter Mondo, Fraser Richard, Raphael Robert, and Billy Mano who have all gone to become important players in their cup sides. And that is something we want to encourage in this club, for players to be leaders as well,” he said.