Panthers teams make finals in three divisions

By MELTON PAIS
PAGA Panthers’ three divisions (men’s, women’s and Under-20s) have qualified for the Port Moresby Rugby League finals.
PRL board chairman Dr James Naipao commended sponsor Richard Waganmbie, his coaching staff and players for setting the benchmark in 2018.
Paga’s A grade side finished fourth, their U20s fifth place while the women’s side topped their competition. In the A grade, Hohola Flies finished second while the Hanuabada Hawks were third.
The competition begins their top eight playoffs on Saturday with the U20s at the National Football Stadium Oval 2.
The PRL management organised a captains’ run for the finalists, for all divisions.
Competition coordinator David Silovo said the senior men’s top eight teams were Royals, Magani, Brothers, Panthers, Hohola Flies, Hawks, Souths and Tarangau.
The U20 top eight teams are Hohola Flies, Dobo Warriors, Hawks, Tarangau, Paga Panthers, Souths, Butterflies and Royals.
The top eight teams in the women’s division are Panthers, Sisters, Hawks, Defence, Butterflies, Hohola Flies, Dobo Warriors and Royals.
Royals claimed the minor premiership in the senior men’s grade, Panthers in the women’s division and Hohola Flies in the U20s.
The wooden spooners for this season are Defence (A grade), Kone Storm (U20s) and Souths (women).
“There were few clubs who worked hard to bring their women’s and men’s teams up to their current positions now,” Silovo said.
“Teams like Royals, Flies and Panthers are established teams in the competition who worked their way into top eight.
“For teams like Brothers, Hawks and Tarangau, we will only say that they have improved a lot in this season.”