Southern Confederate men’s championships start in Central

By JACK AMI
THE Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) Southern Confederation Championships are expected to heat up when the men’s matches kick off at Kwikila in Rigo, Central, today.
Eighteen men’s teams are geared up for the two-day regional challenge deemed selection trials for the national championships in Lae, Morobe, on Sept 6.
The teams will be divided into six pools of three.
Championship favourites Port Moresby Rugby League (PRL) face stiff opposition from Moresby South, Port Moresby Suburban, Kerema, Koiari, Motu-Koita and Aroma Coast.
Boasting quality players across the park, PRL are expected to retain their title and dominate the train-on squad for the national championships.
However, there is a lot of talent in Rigo, Daru, Alotau, Hiri-East, University and Amazon Bay.
Newcomers Buria, Gulf and Isouposa also have a host of untapped talent and it will be interesting how well they fare in their respective pools.
This will be mammoth task for them against teams who have been competing at the championships for several years.
PRL and University will field two teams each to even out the pool draws following the absence of Popondetta and Kiunga.
Confederation administrator Indy Verena said the draws would be finalised before the games kick off today.
“This is because some teams have yet to arrive in Kwikila by yesterday and today to confirm their attendance,” he said.
The selections committee headed by Gairo Pepena will be out to select players based on their performance.
Confederation director Gwaibo Mairi said as per PNGRFL policy, no cash prizes would be on offer for the winning teams but only trophies for grand finalists and individuals to be awarded during the presentation.
Mairi said PNGRFL chairman Sandis Tsaka would be available to officiate during the awards presentation.