Rugby league refs back PNG NRL bid

THE PNGRFL Referees Association will support the PNG All Schools Rugby League programme.
In a letter to the PNG NRL Bid, association president Guma Opi said: “We would like it made known that we share your commitment to strengthening the foundations of rugby league in PNG through the delivery of well planned refereeing courses, as well as coaching and safety programmes.
“Having been engaged in discussions with the PNG NRL Bid development team over a period of time, we believe that the approach you are taking will deliver positive, long term results for teachers, youth and school communities.”
Guma spoke passionately to the teachers at the PNG All Schools forum yesterday, urging them to take advantage of the free courses offered. 
“Our association would like to see a greater pool of competent trained referees and other officials who are skilled and qualified to international standards.
“This initiative to introduce rugby league in the school curriculum for the first time since independence, provides outstanding opportunities for both school teachers and students in schools throughout PNG,” Opi said.
He added that the show of support for the PNG NRL Bid by the referees signalled the efforts the Bid were undertaking was strongly valued by those involved in the “greatest game” in PNG.
Sports Minister and PNG NRL Bid chairman Philemon Embel was heartened by the support from the referees.
“We need to recognise that without the support of referees and coaches, rugby league or any other sport can not progress in PNG.
“This is the reason why the Bid has started its development programmes with coaching, safety and referee accreditation,” Embel said.
Opi said the association supported the efforts of the PNG NRL Bid to secure an NRL licence. 
“We trust that developing youth talent will strengthen PNG’s position in seeking consideration in future,” he added.