UPNG league serves as player base

By SULI SULI
HELA Wigmen captain Valentine Culligan believes the University of Papua New Guinea Rugby League has the potential to supply players to Digicel Cup franchises.
A product of the league himself, Culligan said the competition had paved a way for players to pursue a career in rugby league while studying at the university.
“Me and SP Hunters forward Keven Appo were selected from the league,” the prop said.
Culligan said the league had raised its standards since its affiliation under the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL).
He said the competition had set a platform to market players to the Digicel Cup since 2020.
“The competition was a bit scrappy in 2018 and 2019,” Culligan said.
“But when it became affiliated under the sport’s national governing body, the league started to improve in 2020.
“With the help of PNGRFL, the game has improved and a few players have now been recruited by Digicel Cup franchises.”
The Wigman, who recently graduated from the university, encouraged players to remain disciplined if they were serious about pursuing a career in rugby league.