Pirates, Brothers make finals

NORTHERN champions 14B Brothers take on Southern premiers Kama Coffee Brothers for the Mineral Resources Development Company National Club Championship title at the Lae Rugby League Ground tomorrow (3pm kick-off).
Buoyed by their home fans, Pirates led New Guinea Islands champions Kokopo Takubar Brothers 10-4 at half time in the first game yesterday.
The Pirates went on to score 18 unanswered second-half points to run out 28-4 victors, thanks to tries from Mafu Kalas (double) Petrus Opop, Calvin Apo and Manu Kalope. Kalas kicked four goals.
Meanwhile, Kama Coffee Brothers beat Highlands champions Kui Raiders 16-0 in a tense affair after the Port Moresby Rugby Football League premiers led 2-0 at halftime.
Ben Wemin and Daruwanpis Tuli scored a try each for Brothers. Wemin converted two penalties and as many goals in their shutout of the Mt Hagen outfit.
The third-place playoff between Kokopo Takubar Brothers and Raiders kicks off at 1pm tomorrow.
The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) is anticipating a huge crowd for the title match.
“It’s going to be a big game on Saturday between the home side and Brothers to determine the inaugural national club champions,” PNGRFL Southern Confederate director Gwaibo Mairi said after yesterday’s matches.
He commended the clubs, sponsors, partners, match officials and the crowd for ensuring a successful opening day.
“If today went well, I can’t wait for Saturday. It’s going to be an exciting day of rugby league,” Mairi said.
The clubs have today off for recovery. Gates at the Lae Rugby League Ground open at 12pm.