Wabag to host Tigers vs Hunters

WABAG’s Aipus Oval will for the first time host a Queensland Intrust Super Cup match when the SP Hunters play the Easts Tigers in round 18’s ‘Country Week’ in Enga on July 20 (next Saturday).
Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) chief executive Reatau Rau said after an inspection by Hunters coach Michael Marum early this week, the Queensland Rugby League gave its approval on Tuesday.
“QRL ISC competition manager Dave Maiden confirmed that outstanding issues in particular the condition of the playing surface after his visit at the end of May have met the requirements set and the game will proceed as scheduled,” Rau said. Rau said the Enga government had invested in a new stadium which included modern change rooms, and medical and referees’ rooms.
“The match will be the first to be played at this new facility,” Rau said.
He said the theme for the week was ‘Get in the Game’ and this included community engagements and conducting coaching clinics which the Hunters will attend.
“The QRL has advised that activities such as clinics, school visits, junior league visits, coaching and referees course updates and female participation visits must be undertaken at each host venues during that weekend,” Rau said.
He added Kimbe was also looked at to host the match. However, the town was not considered as they did not meet one of the conditions which was to play a Digicel Cup match last weekend at the Sir Muthuval stadium.
“That game was cancelled due to the volcanic disaster and moved to Kokopo, which ruled them out,” Rau said.
He said a travel itinerary for the Hunters and a programme of engagements leading up to game day would be released early next week.
“We will also advise on ticket prices, where you can purchase them and when they go on sale next week,” Rau said.
He thanked the support of QRL, and their partners and sponsors.
“On behalf of PNGRFL chairman Sandis Tsaka, directors and stakeholders, I thank Dave Maiden and QRL for their confidence to host the Country Week in Wabag,” Rau said.
“This is the first time for residents of Enga and nearby Highlands towns to see the Hunters play in Wabag,” he said.
“The game will be televised ‘live’ and we plan to deliver the standards and experiences applied in Port Moresby to make the week a success.”
Meanwhile, the 13th-placed Hunters take on competition leaders Sunshine Coast Falcons in Brisbane, Australia, on Sunday (2.35pm kick-off). Woods Kawage’s return from injury should give the Hunters more direction out of dummy-half.