Programme to develop league in Western

By JACK AMI
WESTERN is embarking on a programme to develop rugby league in all its districts.
However, officials pushing the agenda were relying on the provincial government and business community to assist to achieve their dream.
Western rugby league development programme chairman Okopela Kaiyawa said he was negotiating with PNG Rugby Football League to develop the game in the province using a PNG Sports Foundation-endorsed development proposal.
“This will be the lead up programme to the 2019 PNG National Rugby League Digicel Cup,” said Kaiyawa.
He said there was a lot of untapped talent in the province but without proper plans and programmes, they could not reach out to the players in the rural areas.
“Our first phase in development will be to establish a player base and ensure facilities development and rehabilitation in the province next year,” Kaiya said.
The chairman said it was his priority which needed to be effectively worked on with partners and stakeholders.
“In line with our development plans, we will negotiate with Port Moresby Rugby League to retain POM Waliya in the 2018 season as a feeder for the Western franchise,” Kaiyawa said.
He has identified 12 leagues in South Fly (Daru, Wipim, Suki and East Trans Fly), four in North Fly (Kiunga, Tabubil, Ningerum and Lake Murray) and four in Middle Fly (Balimo, Dibili, Wawi and Wasua).
He is confident that leagues in these rural districts will ensure to also play their roles in developing the game.
“We will affiliate these leagues to the PNGRFL in the 2018 season.”