PNG 7s challenged

NGCB Trans Highway 7s organiser Robin Tarere has extended a friendly challenge to the national 7s side, who recently played in the IRB Wellington 7s last week, to take part in the Lae rugby 7s event on Feb 19-20.
Tarere, a former Pukpuk and currently the head of junior rugby development in Morobe, said he would love the national team to play in the tournament which has already attracted several champion sides from the New Guinea Islands region.
“It would give the tournament a boost if the PNG 7s team were to play.
“I sent out the invitation today (Tuesday) and, hopefully, they accept it,” Tarere said.
“The Trans Highway rugby 7s cup is part of the Morobe rugby development programme aimed at promoting and developing grassroots rugby talent from the local to the national level,” he said.
“The tournament is dedicated to the values and principles of sevens rugby.
“As an organisation, we look forward to growing and strengthening sevens rugby in the Momase region.
“Trans Highway 7s is a key to expanding participation in rugby in Morobe and Momase, which makes an important contribution to the development of rugby by providing young players to experience the game played at a higher level.”
Fourteen sides are already confirmed to play for K10,000 in cash prizes with national champions Kimbe Rebels and East New Britain champions Tomaringa Royals the notable inclusions.
The 16-team format has six Lae clubs in Harlequins, Royals, Defence, Pirates, Unitech Reds and Vikings and provincial representative side Morobe Hammerheads along with Rookies, a  Lae junior development side.
Outside teams are Tararan Sagasek (Markham), Kama Sharks (Goroka), Madang Malabos, Gigo Hurricanes (Kimbe) and Oro.
Tarere thanked major sponsor National Gaming Control Board for their timely support while reiterating his call for the country’s best team to test the Momase region’s best rugby talent next week.