Southern Blacks receive uniforms for upcoming comps

SOUTHERN Blacks, of Moresby South Rugby League, received new apparel for their men’s and women’s teams for upcoming regional tournaments and competitions.
Moresby South league manager Bagelo Solien said last week’s receipt of the apparel marked the Blacks’ inaugural season in the Southern Super League (men) and confederate trials (women).
“The men’s side was selected after we held our trials and this is the cream of our competition,” he said.
“Our women’s side, which we picked two weeks ago, will be taking part in the confederate trials.
“The trials are a Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League-sanctioned programme.
“So from there, the women will progress to the national championships in Lae.
The sponsorship is an annual thing that we do with our MP (Justin Tkatchenko) and it’s a privilege to have that kind of support from him.”
Solien, who is also the interim executive chairman for the Southern Super League, said preparation for competition was on schedule with teams to kick off the season this weekend.
Meanwhile, Tkatchenko said the apparel was part of the electorate’s commitment in using sports as a tool to develop and unite people.
“Moresby South has one of the most active rugby league programmes that involves juniors, women and men,” he said.
“We put emphasis on rugby league because it unites everyone in the country.
“It allows us to develop unemployed youths.”