Rugby league interest alive in Bougainville, comps needed

MANY Bougainville youths are interested in rugby league but proper competitions are needed there to help develop the sport, according to national coaching director Michael Marum.
Papua New Guinea Kumuls coach Marum attended the Agmark Bougainville Nines last week in Tinputz where Kuskus Cutters and Yetsila Waves won the men’s and women’s titles respectively.
He told The National yesterday that he was satisfied with the talents that were on show in the tournament.
“The talents are there across Bougainville,” Marum said.
“But I think Bougainville needs proper competitions.
“There are no proper competitions registered under the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League.
“There’s only one competition that is played in Buka, but there are none across the rest of Bougainville.
“If we can set up a couple of competitions in places like Tinputz and other towns on the main island then I believe rugby league will grow in the region.
“Soccer and volleyball are popular on the island, but there is no doubt that interest in rugby league is there.”
Marum said it would take more effort to establish competitions in Bougainville.
Meanwhile, the former SP Hunters coach said he was pleased with Agmark Sepik Nines that was hosted in Wewak a fortnight ago.
Marum said he was excited to see rugby league gaining momentum in the two Sepik provinces.