Pilot programme on course

By ROBINSON LEKA
NEW Ireland is on course with its pilot provincial rugby league board finalising its constitution and calendar for the year, according to an official.
Board chairman Benjamin Wakip said local leagues and schools were now aligning with the “New Ireland model”, which was launched by the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football league (PNGRFL) last month.
“Since Jan 22, our focus over the past 12 days has been on finalising our 2021 calendar, putting together our annual budget and adopting our schools, associations and board constitution,” he said.
“Copies of the PNGRFL governance model, football structure and commercial strategy have been made available to all leagues and club executives in the province to ensure that we all understand the dynamics of the New Ireland model.
“This is more than just a game, we are creating a style and brand of rugby league that will become synonymous and unique to our island home, a game that promotes excellence and inclusivity for all, a game that will enrich our lives.
“We are working with the PNGRFL head office and we will be starting the hiring process to give more structured accessibility and availability to our administrative operation.”
Wakip acknowledged the New Ireland government along with local partners, supporters and volunteers throughout the province for their support in moving the sport forward.