Central Dabari

The Fortuna Online Central Dabaris played their best in Port Moresby yesterday but the Hela Wigmen delivered a strong performance against them.

The Wigmen proved to be the better side while the Dabaris missing key players and regular Captain, Adam Korave, lacked direction and leadership.

The Wigmen raced to a 12-point lead at half-time scoring three unconverted tries, with winger Gilmo Paul bagging a double and Julius Yakopa scoring the other.

Central Dabari and Kimbe Cutters are the new entries while the Mt Hagen Eagles re-enter the comp after a two-year suspension.

They join the remaining nine teams which are premiers Bintangor Goroka Lahanis, PRK Mendi Muruks, EPG Enga Mioks, Giru Waghi Tumbe, Lae Snax Tigers, Kroton Hela Wigmen, NCDC Vipers, PRK Gulf Isou and Agmark Rabaul Gurias.

The Chimbu Warriors unfortunately have been omitted after failing to meet certain requirements set last season by the Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) Board.

A first-of-its-kind celebratory event was held for the handing over of the Central Dabari Bid for the 2019 Digicel Cup competition, four days before the bidding deadline.

Bid Chairman, Keith Iduhu, thanked all those who have been part of the journey in preparing the bid.

PNGRFL CEO, Reatau Rau, said for years, many Central Province bids did not have the financial backing, resulting in unsuccessful outcomes.

He said this time there is a major sponsor willing to support them.