We’re proud of Olam’s successes

Greetings to all our rugby league family and welcome to our 29th edition of Fulltime Reserve, a weekly column to discuss all matters rugby league in our favourite newspaper The National.
The Papua New Guinea Football Rugby League (PNGRFL) had several major rugby league announcements this week.
First was the National Rugby League (NRL) grand final appearance and win by PNG international and Melbourne Storm centre Justin Olam.
On behalf of PNGRFL and our rugby league family in PNG, we congratulate him for this tremendous personal and national achievement.
This week also saw the resignation of PNGRFL chief executive Reatau Rau, having given many years of great service to the sport. The game has seen many milestones during his tenure and he leaves behind a great legacy of accomplishments.
We thank him and his family for their service to the game and we wish them God’s guidance and blessings in the next chapter of their lives journey.
PNGRFL also congratulates newly-appointed acting chief executive Stanley Hondina who has worked with the sport for the last six years and we are confident that he will be able to build on the success and guide the organisation well until a permanent appointment is made.
The week also saw two major announcements by the PNGRFL board with regard to the SP Hunters programme which were:
• The approval of the restructure of the Hunters and the appointment of interim board members; and,
• The approval for the relocation of the Hunters to Queensland, Australia, for the Intrust Super Cup season.
The work leading up to the two major decisions by PNGRFL commenced early this year and is the culmination of collaborative work involving all stakeholders of the game in PNG and abroad, including the Queensland Rugby League, NRL and Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Whilst the decision for restructure and relocation have been made, there is still a lot of work yet to be finalised in PNG and Australia with many partners, especially with regard to the relocation of the team for next season.
PNGRFL acknowledges the ongoing support of the naming-rights sponsor SP Brewery and all our key local and international partners, including the governments of PNG and Australia.
In particular, PNGRFL acknowledges Prime Minister James Marape and his Government for their commitment to the club and the sport.
PNGRFL has full confidence that the new Hunters board, led by Stan Joyce, will work with all our partners and stakeholders to ensure that the club continues to be successful.
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Until next week, may the grace, love and care of our Good Lord be with you.

Cheers,
Sandis