Seventy-two sides jostle for Ipatas Cup berths

SEVENTY-two teams have shown interest in the 2012 Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup rugby league competition.
According to chief executive officer Timothy Lepa, teams will come from the four regions.
They will be divided into eight pools beginning with Southern region with eight teams.
The top two finishers in each pool will progress to the next  stage with Comfort Brothers, Kerema West, Central Lagatois, Post Puma, Popondetta Butterflies, Pom Diwai, Kikori  and Pom Kinzong.
In the New Guinea Islands, the Kimbe East West play-off  has eight teams set for battle with Liamo Reef Resort, STK Bullets, Kavieng, KST Kimbe Barbarians, Tokilu Vipers, Bialla, Kokopo Muruks, Kimbe Concrete Products, Baiver Fishing Resort Valmono Brothers, FB and Sons Kimbe, Hoskins Pago Eels, Steamers and Buka.
The Highlands region is divided into four pools. Chimbu have 12 teams: Era Bulldogs, Sine Yongo Brothers, North Kongo, Didiman Hunters, Kerowagi Royals, Gumine Pythons, Kepai United, EMR Chuave Stones, Junior Funkiss, Bomai Eels, Dirima Yani United and QPR Youngsters.
Goroka have eight teams: EMO Brothers, Asaro Buckley Bulldogs, Sioii Storms Upper Bena, Goilikuka Reds, Dragons, Western Hawks, Titans, GKD Didiman Brumbies and Nowek Royak.

Further up east Jiwaka and Western highlands pools 8 teams are in preparation for the show down with WHP Governors Cup winners Kondo East, Togoba Magani, Kiam Kofi Raiders, OK Raiders, Minz Jets, Banz Tigers, Warriors,Dei Hunters.
Southern highlands pool includes Enga remain with 8 teams competition gear up to make a good impression this year are Tari Panthers, Mendi Dwellers, Ialibu, Mt Giluwe Tigerws, Wabag East, Wabag, West, Porgera Souths and the under dogs Wapenamanda Crushers.
And looking into Momase region  Madang has 8 teams Madang Snax Tigers, Usino Bundi, Ramu, Bumbu barbarians , Kainantu, Ants, Madang Brothers , Panthers, Bulolo with Wopa country Lae also 8 are Kamkumung Crushers, Lae Biscuits Spiders, Markham Panthers, Bulolo Pines Buang Magani,  AiyuraLae Biscuits Tambuaks, Jakai Marafuri will battle for the qualifying spot in their respective pools.