The Porgera Rugby League Association has affiliated with PNG Rugby Football League for the 2017 season after five years in the wilderness.
Part of the reason for the league being dormant was because of ongoing tribal fights and lawlessness in the district.
These issues have eased in recent times resulting in the code being revived once more.
Recently an affiliation fee of K500 was presented to PNGRL Enga & Hela Development Officer, Jack Takon, by Porgera League Manager, Koman Wape.
Wape said they decided to revive the code in Porgera after seeing many young men, once been involved in playing rugby, now turning to other unlawful activities.
“Although our facilities are not up to standard, there is a lot of interest in rugby league here in Porgera. We have a lot of talented players who can excel in the sport and so we have paid our fee for recognition from the national body that rugby is alive in Porgera,” said Wape.
Development Officer Takon said now with Porgera’s affiliation, teams will have to register to participate and start their competition.
“There are still requirements to meet. Players will have to pay a K50 fee for insurance cover as rugby is a contact sport. The pathway for rugby in the country is good with a new administration in PNGRFL and good programs to support the development of young rugby league players and Porgera can benefit from this” Takon said.
He said the Paiam High School is already competing in the school boy’s competition and they anticipate to also introduce women’s rugby in Porgera next year.
Rugby had received positive support from operations like the Porgera Joint Venture and IPI in the past.
Takonand hopea to receive support from the community and local businesses to strengthen the administration and running of the rugby league program in Porgera.
Porgera will have four teams competing in both A and B grade games when the league competition starts next month. The format will be round-robin and 25 best players will be selected to compete in the Highlands Zone Championships in August.