Schoolchildren put on show at champs

HeLLO to all our rugby league families throughout PNG and overseas. Welcome to the 19th edition of Coach’s Corner in your favourite rugby league newspaper — The National.
Last week’s Coca-Cola National Schools Rugby League championships were outstanding. For most youngsters, it was their first time to Port Moresby and to play at the Oil Search National Football Stadium. They enjoyed the facilities.
Despite the travel challenges faced especially in the Highlands, the students played quality football. They displayed the skills and talents everyone expected. We need to build on what we saw, and properly coach and harness these skills at this level.
I ask the teachers, co-ordinators and the students themselves to be honest about your ages and other personal details that are required. These information will become useful as you get older and when you leave school. But remember the message is clear — stay in school to play rugby league.
Congratulations to the players, coaches, managers and trainers who represented their confederates. I know you all learned a lot from the championships.
Well done to the New Guinea Islands U14 boys, Highlands U16 boys, Northern U18 boys and what a way to finish the championships with the NGI U18 open girls edging out Highlands by two points to win the inaugural Coca Cola Cups in the respective divisions.
We thank official naming rights sponsors Coca-Cola and partners PHA, WR Carpenters Group of Companies and Boroko Motors, The National, PNG Click TV, St John Ambulance and Oil Search National Football Stadium for your support.
The SP Hunters have five more games left this season with two at home. I usually take one game at a time but after that performance in Wabag two weeks ago which ended in draw and both sides scoring a total of 76 points, we aim to win at least three games, including the two at home to end the season.
Bland Abavu has been in outstanding form for the Kimbe Cutters and returns to the Hunters side and plays off the bench on Saturday. Willie Minoga returned from England with a recurring knee injury and has been in training.
We’ll see how the injury is coming along and if all good, should play a game or two with the Hunters over the remaining five rounds. There are a couple of former players who will be joining the Hunters camp soon. Watch this column for more details next week.
Moses Meninga got a real surprise on Tuesday when Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare visited our training session and presented him with his 50-game plaque for the Hunters in the Intrust Super Cup competition. The whole team met Sir Michael and will treasure the moment. Sir Michael, thanks for attending the session to show your support.
We travel to Cairns today and then catch a bus to Townsville to play the Blackhawks at Jack Manski oval at 4.05pm on Saturday.
I have contacted Kurt Baptiste who is on crutches and still in Townsville to come to the captain’s run tomorrow. We will present him whatever has been deposited into the bank account to help him on his path to recovery. I thank all those who kindly donated to this appeal to support our fellow countryman. The total amount we give to Kurt will be announced by the PNGRFL chairman and chief executive.
I have also received enquiries from fellow Papua New Guineans and others living in Australia and other parts of the planet pledging their assistance. They wish to deposit directly to Kurt’s account in Australia. I will get these account details tomorrow and let you know early next week.
Edene Gabbie who has been outstanding for Wynnum Manly this season has caught the attention of Wayne Bennett and has signed up with the South Sydney Rabbitohs for two years starting in 2020. He will be nurtured and mentored by one of the best and most respected coaches in the rugby league world.
It’s good news that James Segeyaro has re-signed for another season with the Brisbane Broncos. The Broncos have not lost a game since James joined them mid-season and are in the top-eight.
Craig Bellamy has shown faith in Justin Olam by naming him in the Melbourne Storm starting side for the past three games. Justin is playing with confidence and performing well.
The Digicel Cup play their last round of the season proper games this weekend. Those Hunters players not travelling this weekend have been allowed to play for their franchises. The top-six qualify for a finals spot so wherever you are on the ladder, finish your season on a high note.
The following weekend is a bye for all teams except for a catch-up game between the Lae Snax Tigers and Kimbe Cutters to be played in Lae.
This round-13 game was deferred when the Cutters could not travel out of Kimbe due to the volcanic eruption.
Preparations for the National Confederate Championships to be held in Lae from Sept 4-7 begin this weekend with trials in most regional centres to select their U20, senior men’s and women’s teams.
The inaugural Downer Rugby League World Cup 9s draws was released earlier this week.
PNG men are in Pool A with Australia, New Zealand and the United States. The women will see four nations — PNG, Australia, New Zealand and England — battling it out for the Nines World Cup. The World Cup is scheduled to be held at Bankwest Stadium in Parramatta, Sydney, from Oct 18-19.
Until next week, play hard, play safe and play by the rules in whatever sport you are competing part in. And if you are a supporter and spectator, cheer your team on passionately but please don’t cause any trouble. There is no room for violence in sport.

Cheers Mikz