Paul Barrière Trophy

The ultimate prize in international rugby was welcomed at Kaugere by Member for Moresby South, Justin Tkatchenko, together with local rugby league club representatives, students and the public.

Tkatchenko thanked Oil Search for the great initiative in bringing the Trophy down to the grass roots level, and also commended the government and all stakeholders that were involved in bringing the Rugby League World Cup 2017 to PNG.

It was welcomed by officials from the Koiari Rugby League Association plus Member for Kairuku-Hiri, Peter Isoaimo, and Koiari league star Obed Batia.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Kokoda campaign and the scheduled visit of the Trophy also paid tribute to those who fought in the battle.

Welcoming the Trophy, Isoaimo thanked Oil Search for the initiative to take the Trophy around the country – connecting people from all walks of life, especially those in remote villages that the trophy has visited.

It has visited villages, schools, offices, sporting fields and public places, and has been seen and touched by people from all walks of life.

It was no different when the Trophy was on Lihir Island and Kavieng town in New Ireland Province last week.

Welcoming the trophy to Zuen Christian Academy, former junior Kumul, July Totsik, said bringing the Paul Barriere Trophy will certainly inspire future rugby league stars in PNG.

Totsik said sports is one thing that can unite a nation and keep youths away from trouble, sentiments echoed by many on the tour so far.

The Trophy was brought to the brew kettle yesterday by the Oil Search Rugby League World Cup Tour Team.

Managing Director of SP Brewery, Stan Joyce, acknowledged the Rugby League World Cup 2017 committee led by CEO Andrew Hill and Oil Search for sharing the World Cup with PNG.

“With such a formidable team, I have no doubt PNG will host the best rugby matches come October at the National Football Stadium,” said Joyce.

He added that as a platinum sponsor to this year’s World Cup, SP was excited about bringing the pinnacle of rugby events to PNG.

The Paul Barrière Trophy was first taken around Bulolo Town as people lined the streets for a glimpse before it made a brief stop at the PNG Forest Products head office.

It was then taken to Harmony Gold’s Hidden Valley mine where company staff took photos and met with the tour team, made up of Oil Search staff, PNG National Rugby League and media.

Hidden Valley general manager, Gary Davies, said it was an historic occasion for the World Cup trophy to visit the mine staff and the people of Bulolo District.

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. 

Chief Executive Officer of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, Andrew Hill said PNG will be making history hosting three Rugby League World Cup 2017 matches in October and November of this year.

“Unfortunately, the Paul Barrière Trophy got stuck in Sydney and is on its way to Brisbane where I have been assured it will be on the Air Niugini flight arriving this afternoon.

“Rugby league is incredibly important to PNG, but equally PNG is extremely important to rugby league.

The Paul Barrière Trophy will tour PNG in months leading up to the tournament. 

The RLWC2017 is scheduled from October 26-December 2 and will be co-hosted by Australia, New Zealand and PNG.

RLWC2017 tournament partner, Oil Search, will take part in significant programs within the community with RLWC over the next 10 months.

This includes the Paul Barrière Trophy tour across the country where Oil Search will have the naming rights to the trophy tour.