It was a solemn moment when the Paul Barrière Trophy arrived at Owers’ Corner – the start of the Kokoda Track – on Friday morning.
It was welcomed by officials from the Koiari Rugby League Association plus Member for Kairuku-Hiri, Peter Isoaimo, and Koiari league star Obed Batia.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Kokoda campaign and the scheduled visit of the Trophy also paid tribute to those who fought in the battle.
Welcoming the Trophy, Isoaimo thanked Oil Search for the initiative to take the Trophy around the country – connecting people from all walks of life, especially those in remote villages that the trophy has visited.
He also sent the best wishes of the people of Kairuku-Hiri to the PNG Kumuls.
Oil Search Trophy Tour Manager, Ruth Waram, thanked Isoaimo for participating in the Central Leg of the Trophy Tour.
Waram said Oil Search as a proud PNG company was pleased to be conducting the Rugby League World Cup 2017 PNG Trophy Tour in PNG, bringing the spirit of the event to many people who would otherwise miss out altogether.
From Owers’ Corner, the Trophy then visited Sogeri National High School and Iarowari High School.
The Trophy then travelled the Hiritano Highway for its final leg at Laloki, outside Port Moresby, to conclude the Central Province Leg of the tour.