Schools league revived

By MELTON PAIS
A FOUNDATION was set for Papua New Guinea’s future rugby league players, with the launch of a National Schools Rugby League programme in Port Moresby yesterday.
The initiative put forward by the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League has the backing and endorsement of the State through the Sports and Education ministries.
The schools competition will cater for players in three divisions: Under-14s, U16s and U18s.
The competition will also have a girls division hence the change from the previously named “schoolboys” league.
The launch took place at the National Football Stadium and involved students from primary and high schools in the National Capital District as well as teachers, parents and PNGRFL staff.
Education Minister Nick Kuman, pictured, unveiled the new logo for the NSRL while Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko kicked off the 2017 season on centre field.
PNGRFL chairman Sandis Tsaka said it was fitting that the two senior ministers were present yesterday to be part of the launch which he said would be turning a new leaf in the PNGRFL’s junior development programme.
He said the programme would set the foundation for growth for not only rugby league but the idea was to help mould the students into good members of their community.
Tsaka thanked the Government through Minister Tkatchenko for intervening and supporting their code through investing in infrastructural development that had not only helped rugby league but other sports to rise to the next level.
He also thanked Minister Kuman for allowing rugby to be reintroduced back to the schools officially ending a ban put in place in 2010.
He also acknowledge the presence of teachers who would be the managers and coaches of the teams and who would be relied on to liaise with PNGRFL staff to coordinate the games.
“The work of the teachers in schools to promote rugby league is something we the rugby league body have to embrace,” Tsaka said.
“The game would not survive without the teachers who volunteer their time and effort to help build the foundation of the sport through the juniors and schools programmes,” Tsaka added. Minister Kuman said he was thrilled to be part of a significant turning point in the long neglected schools programme.
“Excelling in your studies and being selected to go to colleges and universities to achieve your goals is important but you must also know that sport, particularly rugby league, also has opportunities for those of you who are talented and dedicated enough to want them,” Kuman told the students.
“Sport has the power to change lives and give you purpose and make you a success as well.
“Therefore, I consider this programme very important for the young boys and girls.”