Women’s rugby league to expand age groups

WOMEN’S rugby league in the country will see big investments in its pathway programmes from 2019- 2021, says PNGRFL chairman Sandis Tsaka.
The PNGRFL has set its objectives to develop and promote the game for the women in the country.
Tsaka said the Coca-Cola National Schools Rugby League competition involves only Under-18 women but would expand to U14s and 16s with their strategic plans to manage the competition professionally.
“Our target and focus will be on junior development at an early age to learn the basic skills and allow the talent out there to play rugby league,” Tsaka said.
“We are serious about this and confident that the development and pathway programmes will go a long way to benefit our female players.”
Tsaka said the PNG Orchids had a strong brand, and with support from Oil Search Limited, would continue to inspire young girls around the country.
“The women’s brand is attracting potential investments and Oil Search has taken lead with a substantial amount of money for development,” he said.
He said the Oil Search Foundation was committed to women’s rugby league programme to encourage and market gender equality in the community to change the mindsets of Papua New Guineans.
“We will identify elite talents from the tournaments in the confederate and national championships with better skills and abilities for the Orchids,” Tsaka said.
He said only students would be allowed to play in the NSRL competition to protect the players and ensure proper management.
“This restriction will allow fairness in the age groups and players will need verified by birth certificates as well as consent from the parents for their children to play.”