The Paul Barriére Trophy which serves as the Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) trophy left PNG today after a short but historical visit – courtesy of Oil Search Limited’s PNG Trophy Tour.
During this short visit, many people from all walks of life – school kids, villagers, sports people, and general members of the public had an opportunity to see it.
The trophy arrived last Thursday afternoon and visited the Oil Search head office in Port Moresby, accompanied by RLWC officials and Oil Search Trophy Tour ambassador, Marcus Bai.
It was then taken to the NCDC City Hall.
The following day it continued with visits to the Motuan villages of Porebada and Hanuabada where former PNG Kumul players joined in the festivities.
Boreboa Primary school was the only school that was included in the short tour, and made the most showing true PNG spirit welcoming the Paul Barrière Trophy with a guard of honour from the school gates up to the assembly area.
The Fan Zone at the Vision City amphitheatre provided more opportunities as people cued up to take pictures with the trophy.
At the same time, a school rugby clinic was conducted by PNG NRL officials who took children through basic rugby drills.
At halftime during the SP Hunters and Northern Pride match yesterday, the trophy was taken around the grounds for the public to see and take more pictures.
While the tour of the original trophy was short, Oil Search will be conducting a nationwide tour with the replica of the trophy in September and October, ahead of the first game when the PNG LNG Kumuls take on Wales.
“The main tour will be reminiscent of the very successful Oil Search Pacific Games Relay in 2015, which was exciting for both PNG and Oil Search,” said Oil Search Executive General Manager Stakeholder Engagement, Gerea Aopi.