PETE’S PUNCHLINE
- First off, kudos to Anthony Albanese and our very own James Marape for walking a section of the Kokoda Track this week. Great commitment and solidarity shown by the two leaders to commemorate Anzac week.
- Good to see that the PNGRFL are introducing an elite women’s competition in August. This is a futher boost to the women’s game. It’ll basically be the women’s Digicel ExxonMobil Cup except with a different name and with just six teams and run over seven weeks so it finishes in line with the men’s competition.
- There was also talk of a Hunters women’s side. That should come after the Hunters U20s, which is, let’s face it, a more important team to create right now in light of the NRL bid situation.
- What! Still no Sakias Komati? The man can play. C’mon, Paulie. Give the guy his due.
- Souths won’t make the eight in 2024. There, we got that out of the way. The aim now should be to play themselves back into form collectively and as individuals. If they find themselves in the finals following that then good on them. But no one’s thiniking of the post season.
- Capital Rugby Union kicks off its season tomorrow at Bava Park. I just want to see some good rugby and players playing intelligently and putting forth a brand of rugby that everyone can be proud of and enjoy. I saw glimpses of that type of rugby last season. Let’s hope we see running rugby flourish but fellas remember you can kick the ball, you don’t always have to try and run it out from deep.
- Sad news this week from the NRL regarding the death of Terry Hill. Hill was a great centre who played for a number of clubs over a 15-year career but is perhaps best known for his time at Manly. He was one of those rare big centres who liked to try and evade tackles rather than run through defenders and scored many great tries using his speed and power or as a supporting player. He was also tough and hard when he needed to be (remember his face-off with Gorden Tallis? Always entertaining on the field and a larrikin off it. Gone too soon, champ.
- If you’re in the Bisini area of Port Moresby this weekend, do drop in to Amini park to see the playoffs of the Women’s T20 Smash. Action has been good so far and will only get better with the finals here.
- I almost forgot. I have a question for the Hunters management. Can you do a proper Hunters website that has all the info, stats, profiles, pics, videos, news, reports, competitions, etc… that one can want. Not only will the fans appreciate it but so will the overseas scouts who want a one-stop shop for the best talent in the country. – PGTP ([email protected])