Regional c’ships begin

THE Coca-Cola National Schools Rugby League (NSRL) Regional Championships kick off today for the New Guinea Islands Confederate in Kokopo.
PNGRFL chief executive officer Reatau Rau, picturesd said it would see representatives from schools in East New Britain, West New Britain and New Ireland compete at Kalabond Oval in Kokopo.
“There will be the under-14, under-16 and under-18 boys from West New Britain, East New Britain and New Ireland, while the under-18 girls teams are from East New Britain and West New Britain only,” Rau said.
He said Bougainville would not be participating as they had not met registration requirements. Registrations closed on May 31.
Rau said NSRL manager Arnold Krewanty and an administration-finance officer from headquarters were in Kokopo to ensure the competing three provinces had fully complied and registration books were completed.
“We want to ensure that the registrations requirements have been properly filled out, especially the PHA insurance component, before the players take the field,” Rau emphasised. “The staff will also confirm and finalise the number of schools and players in the four divisons in each province have registered and will participate.”
The NGI schools championships will be kicked off by ENBRL chairman Wesley Waninara at 9am.
The first game will see the under 14s host province take on West New Britain. They will be followed by West New Britain versus New Ireland under-18 boys, then ENB under-16 versus New Ireland. East New Britain under-18 girls will take on West New Britain.
“This format will go into the second round,” Rau said.
He said at the end of the tournament, selectors will pick teams in the four divisions to represent NGI Confederate at the National Schools Championships in Port Moresby next month.
Rau said the Highlands Coca-Cola Regional Schools championships will be held next weekend in Minj, the Northern one on June 21 and 22 in Lae and the Southern one on June 27 and 28 in Port Moresby.
“The Coca Cola National Schools Rugby League Championships will be held in Port Moresby from July 1 to 8 where the best talents in the Under-14, Under-16 and Under- 18 boys and Under-18 girls will play for the Coca Cola Cup in their respective divisions.
Rau said PNG Click TV were partners in this junior competition and would record this weekend’s games and screen at a later date.
He also acknowledged the support of PHA, Boroko Motors and The National for their support.