Vipers part of NCD plans

By PARKER TAMBUA
NATIONAL Capital District Governor and Port Moresby Vipers patron Powes Parkop says the Digicel Cup franchise will continue to be part of the city’s development plan.
The Moni Plus-sponsored side have rocketed into title contention, having accounted for Rabaul Gurias away at Kokopo’s Kalabond Oval for their fifth straight victory.
They now face fellow form side and ladder leaders Mendi Muruks in the final round of the regular season on Sunday, with the Vipers increasingly looking more like a complete rugby league team.
But Parkop said during last month’s appointment of Joe Sipa as the new coach of the Vipers, who will finish in the top-four regardless of this weekend’s results, that they were more than just a rugby league team.
“The Vipers are part of development in the city,” he said.
“They are part of achieving the wider outcome.
“We keep supporting them because they are the flagship team of our capital city.
“The club is built around values. We play hard and tough, but play clean and fair, not only on the field but most importantly off it.
“And I can say that the Vipers have not let us down in that respect.”
Parkop said despite the side’s title drought since 2013, they had made an impact off the field.
“Sponsors and supporters should be proud of their team, the Vipers,” he said.
“We are investing money and support because the Vipers are always winning, maybe not on the field but off it.
“On the field they play clean and build friendships.
“That’s important for our city and country.
“I thank the players, past and present, for maintaining that brand for the team.
“I’m happy with the current team.
“I see that they don’t do silly things or start fights on the field, they are disciplined and they play hard.”
Meanwhile, Parkop said the club was planning to arrange for each Vipers player to have their own corporate sponsor.