Parkop introduces Hope Cup for peace

NATIONAL Capital District (NCD) Governor Powes Parkop has introduced the Hope Cup aimed at bringing peace to Southern Highlands.
Parkop and Southern Highlands Governor William Powi have agreed to stage the Hope Cup, scheduled from Dec 27-30, between the two provinces using Digicel Cup sides Port Moresby Vipers and Mendi Muruks.
“This will be an annual event between NCD and Southern Highlands, which both governors are backing,” Parkop said.
“This is sanctioned under the PNG National Rugby League through the PNG Rugby Football League as a one-off match.”
Parkop said he had also invited Motu-Koita to play a curtain-raiser against a select side from the Mendi Rugby League.
He said rugby league was a powerful medium which would bring people together.
Parkop said PNG Kumuls and PNG Hunters players like Justin Olam, Stanton Albert, Enoch Maki, Stargroth Amean and Bland Abavu would also be in Mendi to watch the inaugural Hope Cup. He said he had also spoken with Prime Minister James Marape and Hela Governor Philip Undialu about introducing the concept to the province.