Rupa grateful to ISC for backing PNG referees

By JACK AMI
CENTRAL native Hanua Rupa says he is grateful to the organisers of the Intrust Super Cup (ISC) for backing Papua New Guinean referees to officiate at matches in the Australian second-tier rugby league competition.
From Kinikalana and Tubusereia, Rupa said he was the second national referee to be appointed as a touch judge this season, with the first being Lae Rugby League’s Max Topani.
The 37-year-old said he was pleased to have played his role during the SP Hunters’ match against the seventh-placed Redcliffe Dolphins at the National Football Stadium on Sunday.
Rupa has been registered with the Port Moresby Rugby League since 2015 when former PNG referees director Joe Peregua identified him.
Rupa started his refereeing career during the Lakwaharu Cup in Tubusereia in 2014. But following the disbandment of the village league, he linked up with PRL.
“From 2015-2017, I was running the touchlines in the Digicel Cup. But since 2018, I’ve been controlling matches as the main referee,” he said. “I always look forward to refereeing. Following my ISC debut as a touch judge, I hope to go one better from 2020 and become a lead referee. But I think that depends entirely on my form and fitness.
“If it weren’t for the PNG Rugby Football League and PNG National Rugby League Competition, I would not have come this far so I thank them for having faith in me.”
When he’s not refereeing, Rupa works as a barber to help make ends meet.
PNG referees director Guma Opi said Rupa’s appointment was done on merit.
“We are proud that Rupa and Topani have officiated in the ISC this season,” he said.