PNGRFL boosts Sepik bid

By JELILAH KUM
RUGBY league’s national governing body has thrown its support behind the Sepik Pride’s intention to seek Digicel Cup inclusion next year but warned that “the journey will not be easy”.
The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) donated a signed Kumuls jersey that was auctioned for K10,000 during the Pride’s fundraising dinner in Port Moresby on Saturday. PNGRFL chairman Sandis Tsaka thanked the Pride bid team for taking the initiative to help develop rugby league into the two soccer-dominated Sepik provinces.
“Sepik is a place that we wanted to break into for a long time and now we can because of this team,” he said.
Tsaka said PNGRFL had a vision to increase the number of teams in the Digicel Cup so they would support the Pride. “Our commitment is that we will help you along the way and hopefully get you into the Digicel Cup,” he said.
“But the journey will not be easy.”
Tsaka acknowledged the support of PNG legends John Wagambie, Arnold Krewanty and Nigel Hukula, and current Kumul Wartovo Puara Jr.
He said PNG joined the international rugby league in 1974 and since then, 295 men had earned the right to be called a Kumul.
“Over the years, the Sepiks have contributed more than five Kumuls players,” Tsaka said.
“To be called a Kumul is a privilege and an honour.”
PNGRFL director Graham Osborne also presented a custom-made SP Hunters bucket hat to East Sepik Governor Allan Bird on behalf of the governing body.