SHP nines kick off

By PARKER TAMBUA
THE Southern Highlands Nines tournament kicks off today at Momei Oval in Mendi with 32 teams confirmed to participate.
Tournament coordinator Terence Kapipi told The National yesterday that the tournament would end on Sunday.
Kapipi said he was pleased to confirm the schedule of the event after a long delay.
“The tournament should have been held on the first week of last month but it was postponed due to Coronavirus pandemic concerns in the Highlands,” Kapipi said.
“We are excited the event is finally here and I’m sure rugby league followers in Southern Highlands are looking forward to the kick-off.
“The whole motive behind this tournament is to promote unity and peace in the province through rugby league.”
Kapipi said it was the third edition of the tournament.
The inaugural event was in 2019.
“We are encouraging all teams and their support to come play and support in the true spirit of rugby league to play hard but play fair.”
Kapipi said the tournament would feature Digicel Cup players with provincial franchise Mendi Muruks to have most of its squad members involved.
He added that other Digicel Cup players would also be playing..
“That’s what this tournament is all about, we want to see semi-professional players rub shoulders and share their experiences with raw talents in the province,” he said.
“It’s not just the Muruks, there are players from other Highlands based Digicel Cup teams who will be participating as well.”
Kapipi said organisers expected Digicel Cup coaches and scouts to also attend the tournament.