On the heels of a very successful Digicel Cup launch at the Laguna Hotel on April 3rd, Digicel officially kicked off the Round 1 games of the 2019 Digicel Cup Season on April 7th.
Twelve teams played in last weekend’s kick off games across the nation in Port Moresby, Lae, Kimbe, Mount Hagen and Mendi – all vying for the championship title.
Digicel PNG Senior Vice President Lorna McPherson said: “Rugby league is not just a sport, it’s a way of life for many Papua New Guineans who follow the game with great passion.
“Digicel Cup competition gives fans the opportunity to access and watch high level rugby games and experience the excitement of all games plus support their teams.
“With the growing following of the competition, Digicel will in the near future introduce the Play Go App which will give fans another avenue to access and view the games live on their smartphones and at their convenience.”
The Digicel Cup Competition is bigger and better this season with the inclusion of two new teams; Central Dabaris and the Kimbe Cutters, bringing the total number of teams participating from last year’s 10 to 12 in 2019.
This is the ninth year of Digicel’s sponsorship of the Digicel Cup competition and every year the competition is more exciting with increased standards and more qualified young and talented players coming through the ranks of rugby league.
Digicel Cup Competition Manager Stanley Hondina said: “With new players coming on board displaying very good skills and talent, we have recently conducted coaching clinics to improve our level of coaching and training so we can best provide to these young players to help with their growth and develop their skills, not only in this level of competition but also prepare them for the next level”.
Following the kick-off games on Sunday in Mendi, the Tumbe’s defeated the Muruks 12-10, in Mt. Hagen the Eagles beat the Lahanis 8-6, in Lae, home team Tigers defeated the Wigmen 12-8, in Kimbe, visiting team Dabari’s defeated the Cutters 34-20 and the double headers in Port Moresby saw Gulf Isou beat the Mioks 34-16 and visiting team Gurias beat the Vipers 26-10.
Digicel Cup games will continue weekly over the next six months into September for the grand final. Digicel encourages and invites all fans to support their teams at their respective centres or on Digicel TV TVWAN+ channel.