Southern comp seen as window of hope

The National Sports
Southern Super League is the brainchild of chairman Bagelo Solien. – Pictures supplied
Laumas’ Wabo Sanny in action against Gulf Isou Development at Sir Tore Lokoloko Park, Iokea village.

By JACK AMI
SOUTHERN Super League, sponsored by the National Gaming Control Board (NGCB), has given hope and confidence to Central and Gulf talents, apart from players in the National Capital District (NCD).
NGCB allocated K150,000 to support the second-tier rugby league competition, which was focused on grassroots development and lifting the standard of the sport.
This competition is an avenue for youngsters from the region to prepare themselves for higher-level rugby league, according to Bagelo Solien.
The league chairman is grateful to NGCB’s Clemence Kanau and his board for their support in helping identify and expose raw talents.
Solien extended his appreciation to Moresby South MP Justin Tkatchenko (Moresby South Blacks), NCD Governor Powes Parkop (Port Vipers Academy) and Central Governor Robert Agarobe (Central Dabaris Development).
He also thanked Gulf Province Sports Trust (Isou Development), Insu Care, Koitaki, PNG Water (Koiari Nagavas), Koi Investments, GRP (Western Flames) and Mayur Resources (Buria Reds).
“This competition is the missing link,” Solien said.
“It’s now in place to promote, identify and expose the abundance of talents in the region.
“As transparent and accountable rugby league administrators, there is a lot of work that we still have to do to be successful, but we are taking the challenge one step at a time. This is my board’s short-term plan.

Iokea villagers attending Gulf Isou Development’s home game in East Kerema.

“But the long-term plan is that we extend open invitations to Western, Northern and Milne Bay to be part of the second-tier competition from next season.
“We are not here for the money. We are here to help develop players who have missed out at the national level.
“This competition has brought them hope and confidence.
“Since the start of the season, the competitiveness has indicated the teams’ desire to learn and develop while playing trouble-free rugby league in a peaceful environment.
“We have taken games to Iokea village (Gulf), Sogeri (Koiari, Central), Kwikila (Rigo, Central) and Papa (Hiri-West, Central) to promote the sport at the grassroots level.
“It’s a joy to see that Iokea villagers have taken ownership of the game by being hospitable towards visiting teams Funeral Home Laumas and the Dabaris.”
Solien and deputy chairman Gairo Pepena were taken aback by the efforts of Tei Kariko Rugby League executives and villagers in hosting the Laumas and Dabaris who battled home side Isou.
He said many people from neighbouring Lese, Miaru, Uritai, Kukipi and Kerema also turned up for the two home matches.
The Dabaris showed their appreciation by presenting gifts and cash to the host village for their hospitality overnight prior to the match.
In turn, the Central government has allocated funding to take Dabaris games to Bereina, Kairuku-Hiri, and Kupiano to promote the sport there.
Solien and his board have agreed as the Dabaris will meet the costs of travel for teams.

Vipers Academy action at Kwikila, Rigo.

After five rounds, Solien, Pepena and treasurer Gewa Iru said they were impressed as the competition continued to serve its purpose.
“The standard and quality of rugby league in the region had dropped over the years, so we had to establish this competition to turn things around,” Solien said.
“We established this pathway with 12 teams competing in a home-and-away format.
“A K10,000 club affiliation fee was imposed to fund the competition for 15 weeks.
“We assist teams for away games at Iokea, Kwikila, Iarowari (Sogeri) and Papa, so part of their affiliation fee covers travel expenses.
“This is to ensure transportation.
“We are bring the game to the grassroots level, instead of holding the competition in Port Moresby only.”
Rigo Raiders, Nagavas, Buria Reds and Flames are continuing to perform admirably.
Meanwhile, Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League Southern Confederation director Gwaibo Mairi said the league and Moresby South were affiliates of the sport’s national governing body.
He said he supported the league as it was a stepping stone for players into the Digicel Cup with participation from Port Moresby, Central, Motu-Koita and Gulf.
Mairi commended Moresby South Blacks, Vipers, Dabaris, Isou, Motu-Koita Lagatois and Port Moresby Suburban Ducks for helping unearth and promote upcoming talents in the region.
“This has set the benchmark for teams like the Raiders, Eda Bulldogs (Hiri-East), Flames and Reds (Hiri-West) to continue developing their players to ensure a competitive league,” he said.