POM rugby league set for season launch

By HENRY MORABANG
PORT Moresby rugby league is set for a bumper season with the launching at the Lloyd Robson Oval on Sunday.
PRL Football manager Meke Maino said the opening would be at 2pm before the main game, a replay of last year’s grand final between Hekari Tarangau and SBS Butterflies.
The rematch of last season’s final will see many fireworks from both sides who are worthy of securing their spots this season.
Premiers Hekari Tarangau have been the most consistent among the 14 clubs over the past five seasons and pride themselves on discipline and patience.
On top of that, they had put on a sterling performance against their opponents to make it a memorable season last year.
SBS Butterflies thought they had the game in the bag but with a minute left, Hekari Tarangau levelled the scores at regulation period to force the game into extra time and kicked a penalty kick to claim victory.
In other matches on Monday, cellar dwellars Magani will meet an in-form Dobo Warriors at 11am, Granville Hotel Kavo West will face Papuan Gold Royals at 1pm before IP Maiari Eagles take on Snax Kone Tigers.
There will also be a selection trial match for the SNS Port Moresby Vipers.
The venue will also be used for an international O-League match between Auckland City and Hekari United tomorrow.
But Port Moresby rugby league will return to their venue to complete the rest of the senior grade games on Sunday and Monday afternoon. The U19 matches will be held at the PRL field two.
Maino said the programme for the launch would see the parading of two players representing the 14 clubs in their uniforms, with league referees, PNG Defence Force “mock” full land combat and martial arts demonstrations from Stone’s Taekwondo academy.
Following the launch, there will be four senior grade matches starting at 9.30am. The opening match will be between PRK Souths and BBE Hawks, GDCL Brothers and WL Paga Panthers at 11am and Flame Kone Storm clash with Kawaso Defence at 12.30pm.