NGI challenge gets K30,000 boost

The New Guinea Islands leg of the Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup has been boosted with K30,000.

New Britain Palm Oil Ltd say they are happy to support the NGI leg as it will be hosted in their home province of West New Britain.

The last NGI challenge was hosted in 2012.

NGI Ipatas Cup competition manager, Sam Koi, in thanking New Britain Palm Oil Ltd, said West New Britain has produced quality PNG Kumuls players over the years, including the legendary Marcus Bai.

“So we’re hoping this time we can find another Marcus Bai, or another two or three that can actually go through the Ipatas Cup.”

Koi further said with the inclusion of the Kimbe Cutters in the Digicel Cup, their focus would be to develop more youths in rugby league.

“For the NGI region, whether it’s East New Britain, West New Britain or even Bougainville, we are hoping to find more talents and probably give them a pathway through other Digicel Cup franchises as well, not just Kimbe Cutters.”

The K30,000 will be used to host the three-day tournament, which is scheduled for next weekend, as well as cover the costs of the qualified team from the NGI leg.

NBPOL CEO, Jamie Graham, said their largest operation is situated in West New Britian, hence it was only right that they show their support.

Meantime, the Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup CEO, Timothy Lepa, recently said the inclusion of NGI, East Sepik and Western challenges will add a different dimension to the competition.

(NGI Ipatas Cup competition manager, Sam Koi, receiving the dummy cheque from NBPOL CEO, Jamie Graham)

Author: 
Carmella Gware