Digicel Cup

Lions ravage Isapea

The Lions took a 12-6 lead at half-time at the Sir Hubert Murray stadium this afternoon. They had to hold off a determined Isapea side in the second half to secure the win.

Suspended Hunters player Gahuna Silas put Isapea right back in the game, scoring two minutes into the second half.

Solomon Pokari Kale made no mistake in converting the try to level up.

The Lions took back the lead six minutes later after Robin Soga converted a penalty from right in front.

Lions leading 12-6 at break

The Lions opened their account in the 8th minute after second rower Radley Brawa barged over on the wing.

Robin Soga's attempt to convert the try from the sideline fell short.

Poor ball control ruled most of the first half for both teams, who struggled to complete their sets of six.

Soga made amends in the 29th minute, converting a penalty right in front to lead 6-0.

It was Soga again 7 minutes later who scored a try after dancing around tired Isapea defenders.

He converted his own try to push the lead out to two converted tries.

Kumuls selection still open to domestic competition

Kumuls coach Michael Marum says there’s no guarantee that the players that challenged Fiji in the recent Pacific Test have a place in the Kumuls.

Marum said they will have to compete against everyone else including players in the Digicel Cup, Queensland Intrust Super Cup, NRL and the Super League that is played in England.

He said all these players are performing well and will be considered as selectors will have to pick the best players.

“There’s no automatic selection for players that played against Fiji.

PNG Loop's Breakfast Bites

Registrar breaks silence, calls on students to resume classes

http://www.looppng.com/content/registrar-breaks-silence-calls-students-resume-classes

The registrar of the University of Papua New Guinea has finally broken her silence by calling for students to return to class.

​ ‘Closure of medical school will have catastrophic effect’

Lahanis prepared to hunt Vipers

However the return of the prodigal son who once led the Lahanis on the forefront of the hunting spree in the Digicel Cup as a captain and role model for Lahanis is now back to its home turf to hunt but leading a different troop to his once home for many seasons.

Nami in his post-match interview said it has been challenging for him since he was appointed as the Vipers’ head coach and going against his former team wasn’t something made easy.

Similarly, Nami will be up against his home team Lahanis and the show against the host (Lahanis) and visitors (Vipers) is set for a brutal match.

Nami said lack of discipline has cost the team a lot and have so far lost two consecutive home games, something he is really working hard to ensure a win should bring confidence in his outfit.

However the game against the Lahanis in Goroka set to be another uphill battle for the city boys as they prepare to leave.

Game observers plainly critics the halves combination that needs a lot of talking and direction in the field of play however for Vipers, it has not been happening and is breaking down its attacking plans their heartless defensive efforts has also cost the team dearly.

This must be changed quickly with Vipers facing steep opponents who are desperate for a win and make their presence felt.

In the other interesting game on card is the battle between current defending champion Agmark Rabaul Gurias and Petroleum Resource Kutubu (PRK) Mendi Muruks in Kokopo.

Former Muruks play maker Stanley Olo has switched alignment now playing for Gurias and it will be interesting to see this electrifying hooker playing a major role to help Gurias beat Muruks at home.

However that will not be easy with Muruks coming off from a draw and a loss at home at the Sir Joe Keviame oval in Mendi two weekends ago and it will be a mammoth task for head coach Jack Kereme and his assistant Andrew Andiki to bring the team home.

Muruk’s brother team PRK Gulf Isapeas is on a bye this weekend and moves up the ladder on five points and will be leading the point’s ladder for the first time in three years depending on the weekend’s results between Snax Lae Tigers and Mt Hagen Wamp Nga Eagles at the Rabiamul oval in Western Highlands Province.

Sir Joe Keviame Oval Mendi will once again come alive with Enga Provincial Government Mioks taking on Kemele Construction Hela Wigmen while Simbu Lions face off with Waghi Tumbe in Minj on Sunday.

Date

Home Team

vs

Away Team

Venue

1-May-16

AGMARK RABAUL GURIAS

vs

PRK MENDI MURUKS

KOKOPO

1-May-16

TNA SIMBU LIONS

vs

WAGHI TUMBE

MINJ

1-May-16

WAMP NGA MT HGN EAGLES

vs

SNAX LAE TIGERS

HAGEN

1-May-16

KEMELE HELA WIGMEN

vs

EPG ENGA MIOKS

MENDI

1-May-16

BINTANGOR GKA LAHANIS

vs

SNS POM VIPERS

GOROKA

 

BYE

 

PRK GULF ISAPEAS

 

Digicel Cup teams have chance to promote franchise

The NRL PNG and Digicel will give chances to the each of the other nine Digicel Cup participating teams apart from the Gulf Isapea’s and the Port Moresby Vipers to play at the newly furnished stadium, the National Football Stadium.

The teams will be given the chance to travel, play in other provinces and get the feel of the environment and also promote their teams through the media coverage of each visiting team in the city.

Digicel Cup launched in style

The event was attended by sponsors and the country’s rugby league community, including the PNG Rugby Football League, PNGNRL and Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko.

In receiving the Cup back from Agmark Gurias captain Nelson Daplen, PNGRNL chairman Sudhir Guru acknowledged Digicel PNG’s continuous support to the country’s premium rugby league competition.

Digicel Play CEO Nico Meyer said Digicel PNG was happy to continue its partnership with the PNGNRL for the sixth consecutive year.

Guria captain returns Digicel Cup

Daplen said last years grand final win was against the TNA Simbu Lions.

The grand final last year was played at Sir John Guise stadium which Gurias won 26-18.

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TV Wan to telecast NRL live to rural PNG

People living in the rural areas will have access to watch the NRL Premiership League 2016 season live on television thanks to Digicel PNG.

http://www.looppng.com/content/tv-wan-telecast-nrl-live-rural-png

Kiap praises good policing at airport

The Betelnut Ban controller Honk Kiap has come out praising the work of police at the airport for cracking down on betelnut and mustard smuggling coming into NCD .

National Stadium opens next month

Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko says the facility is in its last stages of completion and will be fully functional by February to host its first rugby league match where the Prime Minister will do the official kick off.  

The K170 million infrastructure is constructed by Leighton PNG with seating for up to 15,000 spectators.

The seating area for the north, south and eastern stands are completed, seating a total of 10,000 people.

The main grand stand has 3184 seats and is half completed with the roofing already installed and a few more seats to be fitted in.