Port Moresby teams to play in Hope Cup, says governor

THE Port Moresby Vipers will travel to Mendi, Southern Highlands, on Friday for Sunday’s Hope Cup match against hosts and fellow Digicel Cup franchise Muruks.
Motu-Koita Rugby League select side Lagatois will also be part of the Hope Cup contingent from the nation’s capital.
They will play a Koroba-Lake Kopiago select side as a curtain raiser to the annual Vipers-Muruks fixture.
National Capital District Governor and Hope Cup patron Powes Parkop confirmed that after the Governor’s Cup final between QPR Colts and Southside Brothers at Sir John Guise Stadium on Sunday.
“On Friday, the Vipers will travel to Mendi to play the Muruks for the Hope Cup,” he said.
“Representing our people from Motu-Koita, Lagatois will also travel to play Nanes which is a select side from Koroba-Lake Kopiago.
“We are bringing the important and powerful message of unity and friendship to that part of the country (Southern Highlands) through rugby league.”
Meanwhile, Parkop said he had introduced the Governor’s Cup to promote unity and hope for city residents.
The Manus native said he wanted to deliver the same message to other parts of the country, starting with Southern Highlands through the Hope Cup.
The Vipers’ 20-man squad resumed training last week in preparation for the fixture.
Vipers coach Leonard Tarum said he would field fringe players with forward Ade Kawa as captain.