Tari Rugby League Oval getting facelift with backing from Kroton

Sports

By PATRICIA KEAMO
HELA’S Tari Rugby League Oval is undergoing a facelift after more than 30 years, thanks in part to Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited’s (KPHL) subsidiary, Kroton.
This includes fencing, a proposed stadium and an upgraded oval which will help boost the league.
League president Joseph Kaupa thanked KPHL for the support, saying that a proper fence and grandstand would ensure security checks on spectators.
“It wasn’t like this back then,” he said.
“The oval was open and there was no proper fencing or security.
“We used our own resources to provide security, but you couldn’t stop supporters from coming in with weapons during a match.
“Disgruntled supporters could just walk onto the pitch and assault the referee or a player if they were not happy with the game.
“But with this fencing and the field being levelled properly, we’re hoping that it will help change how things were done in the past, especially security-wise.” Kaupa said the oval had been a breeding ground for rugby league players who went on to join Kroton-sponsored Hela Wigmen and other Digicel Cup franchises.
“This was the oval that Prime Minister James Marape used to play rugby league before,” he said.
“He has also pledged K30,000 to us which will be used to cover outstanding prizes for the 2019 and 2020 grand finalists.
“After we sort that out then we can look at hosting another season.
“The oval will be usable in the next few months after the facelift.
“We were late to affiliate with the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) this year.
“But we’ll look at registering teams and gaining PNGRFL affiliation through due processes and probably host a major offseason competition at the end of the year.
“We are fortunate to have KPHL supporting us through Kroton.
“Tari Pori Development Corporation (TPTC) will upgrade the field.”
Youths in the area expressed excitement about playing rugby league on a proper pitch.
Kaupa said Tari was home to Hela’s top league. He said there were other leagues in Margarima, Kopiago and Komo.
Kaupa said there were plans to include a women’s division and schools competition, which would be overseen by a separate coordinator in line with the province’s education office.

One thought on “Tari Rugby League Oval getting facelift with backing from Kroton

  • Fencing won’t stop people from bringing whatever weapons they need to use when a football brawl starts. It is the heart of men snd women that needs to be fenced spiritual through repentance and acceptance of Jesus Christ as lord and saviour of their life. That is when true compassion will come to the hesrt of prople yo respect one another and enjoy sporting events as social activities than as a sparring match for possible confrontation.
    The responsibility lies in the hands of Pastors, Christain leaders and the actively practising Christian to reach out to the Hela community and provide spiritual change to people’s life. Otherwise no fencing or increaee security guards can stop angry men snd women whose heart is full of rage and hate to garm their opponents.

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