Waghi Tumbe

THANK you to the Jiwaka provincial government, under the leadership of Governor Dr William Tongamb, for reviving the Waghi Tumbe.
I also acknowledge Giru Ltd for timely full sponsorship when the Jiwaka government is hard hit with cash flow due to economic slumber.
Such a gesture is very highly commendable. However, with due respect to the Waghi Tumbe franchise owner, we are highly suspicious on how the team is managed.
The current recruitment of head coach Francis Ray, who was banned from playing for being an official in any rugby league team affiliated under PNGRFL for 10 years, is questionable.
The selection of more than eight Western Highlanders at the expense of the best players in Jiwaka does not go down well with the people of Jiwaka.
The sponsorship may change over time, but Waghi Tumbe remains the pride of the Jiwaka people.
The way the team is being managed now sets a bad precedent.
We were once part of Western Highlands and not a single Jiwakan played for the Mt Hagen Eagles.
Those Jiwakans that played for Kumuls in the 1980s and 1990s progressed through zone trials which were active then.
Waghi Tumbe cannot and will not be a substitute team for Mt Hagen Eagles.
It is our plea to the Jiwaka government to intervene and rectify this issue before the season opener.
Giru Ltd has been given much business by Jiwaka government.
It is part of the company’s community obligation to give to the people and this sponsorship comes in this category.
It doesn’t matter whether or not the Waghi Tumbe win the Digicel Cup.
We do not need Mt Hagen Eagles’ players in the team.
Get them out.

Tumbe Die Hard
Kansoul Kopun Dahl
Nine-Mile, Port Moresby