Schoolboys zone challenge kicks off

THE future of rugby league in the country promises plenty if yesterday’s schoolboys championship is anything to go by.
NRL Bid chairman and NCD Governor Powes Parkop was ever confident of the success of the bid’s long term goal.
“Our dream is still a dream that we are going to work hard to make real. Train hard, Play hard and set the benchmark. Make this dream come true, because it is through your success that we will get there,” he said
PNGNRL Bid chief executive officer Brad Tassell opened proceedings by welcoming the teams, the dignitaries and support.
“It’s going to be an exciting couple of days. We invite the public to come down to the Murray Barracks field and watch the kids in action as they go head to head for the national title,” Tassell said.
This is the only way we can expose the youth of PNG to better quality opposition to improve themselves as footballers. ”
Tassell also acknowledged major sponsor Coca Cola Amatil as major sponsor for the schoolboys program and the event.
The launch and concept received rousing accolades from dignitaries present who were clearly moved by the occasion of close to 200 players and officials from the four regions of the country, in the name of rugby league at the schoolboy’s level.
“It is a fantastic initiative and I congratulate the PNGNRL Bid. This is truly where we will find our next stars, and hopefully see one of you in the Australian NRL, or go on and play for your country,” Tkatchenko told the teams.
“Show us what you can do. You are the future.”
“I am proud to be standing here, as vice minister, and especially minister responsible for rugby league. Rugby league is our passion, it is our national sport, and we are going to do all that we can to make sure that there is a pathway for you,” Sports Vice-Minister Labi Amaiu said.
Australian High Commissioner Ian Kermish also highlighted Australia’s wish to support and play a role in the development of rugby league in the country, briefly touching on a $4.8million support that the Australian government had set aside.
Details of the support would be confirmed at a later date.Both men officially kicked the championships off.
The final matches will be played today before the champions of the U15 and U17 categories are announced.