PNGNRL Bid visits, sponsors junior league

PNG NRL Bid chief executive officer Brad Tassell and Southern Zone co-ordinators Ripa Kalamo and Ben Kaupa were guests on Saturday for the Barakau schoolboys grand final day.
Barakau was one of the first regions to nominate to take part in the PNG NRL Bid’s Coca-Cola National All Schools Programme and is part of the Southern Zone.
It was the second year that Bid staff have been present at grand final day with Tassel impressed with what he saw.
“I really enjoy coming out to Barakau. They are well organised and very passionate about their schoolboy’s rugby league. It was a great day and the kids as well as
spectators played and supported the teams in the true spirit of rugby league,” Tassell said.
“There were a few boys in the Southern Zone team last year and also in our national development squads.
“From what I saw on Saturday there will be a few more this year. These kids are tough and if Aussie kids saw the field the boys play on and how hard they play I think they would be amazed,” he added.
Tassell said the programme was delivering and the kids coming through were “tough, hungry and eager to learn.”
“I have no doubt after our recent Australian tour that in the next few years we will produce some exceptional talent through the programme, who will go on to represent their country, forge careers in rugby league and more importantly become future role models for the nation’s youth.”