Trials for schools rep team opens up pathway for talents: Hukula

THE Kumul Petroleum National Schools Rugby League Southern Confederation trials kicked off on Saturday with 16 teams across four divisions vying for spots to represent region in this week’s national championships.
Selection committee member and former PNG Orchids head coach Nigel Hukula said the trials opened an important pathway for young talents through the schools programme.
“Kids have showed their worth and there are a lot of talents,” he said.
“It’s really encouraging to see that we see some development happening in the Under-14s all the way to the U18s.
“That’s the clear pathway that we need to have for rugby league moving forward and it’s important that we now have an avenue for kids to come through.
“The other confederations have also held their trials.
“Thompson Tehteh, national coaching director Michael Marum and I are here to assist with looking at the players and what they have to offer, and also get some names for the U14, U16 and U18 teams.”
Hukula also acknowledged teachers from the respective schools in the region who were part of the trials.