Pepsi 9s aims to showcase talents from Motu-Koita

**Vikings winger and Gulf Isou centre Makara Hura making a break.**

By ROBINSON LEKA
THE Dadi Toka Pepsi Nines kicked off yesterday with 32 teams competing in the three-day rugby league tournament at Konedobu in the National Capital District.
Tournament director Vaieke Vani told The National that the majority of the teams were from the Motu-Koitabu with some sides from around the city and Central.
“There’s about 32 teams taking part this year and we’ve scheduled to run the tournament for three days,” he said.

**Referee Glen Paki (left) restoring order during the Pool-F match between Hetoa Steelers (red) and Daromia Warriors. Steelers won 28-10. – Nationalpics by ROBINSON LEKA**

“But there is a possibility for a fourth day if there are any delays.
“There are eight pools of four teams. We’ve started with the first four pools and we’ll be moving into the rest of the groups over the weekend.
“There will be 48 round-robin matches for the pool stage and we should complete those matches by Saturday.
“We have 22 teams from Motu-Koitabu villages in the city.
“We also have a few teams from Central, including Hiri-East, Hiri-West and Bereina (Kairuku).

**Vikings forward and Hela Wigmen prop Tommy Moide in action against Eke Lahara.**

“There are also a few suburban teams from Tokarara, Konedobu and Joyce Bay.
“It’s a good representation from Motu-Koita, Central and the suburbs of Port Moresby.”
Vani said the tournament was aimed at identifying and developing Motu-Koitabu talents for the next level of rugby league in the country.
“Motu-Koitabu Rugby League runs its annual competition for most of the teams that are competing in the tournament,” he said.

**Hetoa Steelers forward and former SP Hunter Mark Pitti in action against Daromia Warriors.**

“The tournament is about bringing the game closer to our people and exposing upcoming talents.
“One goal of the tournament is to help identify potential players for our intending Digicel Cup franchises.
“For now, the Coronavirus has affected the possibility of new Digicel Cup teams.
“But such tournaments help us to identify and prepare our players early.”