Western franchise gets K1mil

Governor backs Fly River Storms’ Digicel Cup bid

By ROBINSON LEKA and JACK AMI
DIGICEL Cup hopefuls Barramundis are changing their name to ‘Fly River Storms’ after the Western franchise received a K1 million commitment from Governor Taboi Awi Yoto, an official says.
Papua New Guinea Rugby League Football (PNGRFL) Southern Confederation director Gwaibo Mairi said the name change was a decision made by the provincial government to represent its three districts, North Fly, South Fly and Middle Fly.
He said the money would help the confederation with the facilitation of the bid and management of the franchise.
“One of our projects this year was Central Dabaris. We have Gulf Isou and now we want the Fly River Storms,” Mari told The National yesterday.
“As project managers, we are handling the provincial government’s bid and we will submit it before the close of affiliation on Friday.
“From the K1 million, K400,000 will go towards applying for a two-year Digicel Cup licence.
“The balance will help us organise and manage the franchise in terms of accommodation, meals, training fees and getting the squad to Port Moresby.
“We are working closely with the people of Fly River. We have partnered with Kiunga, Tabubil and Daru, which are PNGRFL affiliates. We’ll select players from there.
“The appointment of coaches and trainers for the Fly River Storms will be done in consultation with the provincial government.”
Mairi said the confederation’s aim was to field more Southern franchises in the Digicel Cup with a possible inclusion of another side in 2021 — either from Northern or Milne Bay.
Meanwhile, the director says the provincial government has committed another K1 million for the upgrading of the Kiunga Rugby League Oval.