EMK Sepik Pride

In an official media release issued today EMK Sepik 9s Tournament Committee regrets to announce the postponement of the tournament which was set to run from the 17th to 19^th February, 2023.

Due to time limitation and other logistical issues they are unable to proceed with the event on the mentioned dates.

This 9s competition is the direct scouting venue for the new Sepik Pride franchise. With only 7 weeks left to prepare for the 2023 Digicel Cup season, all the focus is on getting the team ready for their inaugural season.

The highly anticipated announcement comes after months of deliberation with key stakeholders and the Board of the PNG NRLC.

PNG NRLC Board Director, Lorna McPherson confirmed the participation of 11 franchises from the 2022 competition, noting the exclusion of Jiwaka franchise, Waghi Tumbe, and announcing the inclusion of the new franchise, the Sepik Pride.

The 2023 participating teams are: 

Sepik Pride Chairman, Bradley Simon has assembled players this week as they kick off their journey to Digicel Cup. 

Players from Port Moresby and East Sepik will travel to Ialibu for a week preparation where players From Lae, Goroka and SHP will join the group before the SHP 9s kick off. 

Simon said: “As we await the decision by PNG National Rugby League Competitions, EMK Sepik Pride has taken a bold step on our first mission, and that is to take part in the SHP 9s.”

At halftime, Gurias were leading 24-4. The East Sepik franchise in waiting have embraced and accepted the reality of what semi-professional rugby league is all about.

Interestingly and to the surprise of local rugby league fans, one quarter of the Sepik Pride side was made up of former Gurias in the likes of Wartovo Puara Jnr, Peter Jimmy Jnr, Lepan Tuvi, Samual Hamari, Muka Kalu Peter and Elipas Pidik, to provide some leadership and add confidence and experience to the young outfit.

Project Development Manager for EMK Sepik Pride, Bradley Simon says after hosting several games in both East and West Sepik, several talents have been eyed to have captured the attention of the selectors.

He said having found their naming rights sponsor, the aim now is to select key potential key players from various competition

“Our Aim is to host local tournaments where we can identify potential players. We know we have a lot of great talent. Having a representation in the Digicel cup competition will help us expose our raw talents,” said Simon.

He emphasized that investing in development programs is the only way to identify and bring about great rugby league future talents.

Several rugby league competitions and programs are now actively rolled out in both East and West Sepik since their bid and preparedness to participate in the Digicel Cup.

“Already in Both East and West Sepik, league program are engaging young people who are now showing interest in the sport of rugby league which is what we want to see in our young people for them to be part of something great that will benefit them in the future” said Kange.