RL World Cup 2017 PNG Trophy Tour comes to an end

The Oil Search sponsored Rugby League World Cup 2017 PNG Trophy Tour came to an end on Thursday.

The Oil Search sponsored Rugby League World Cup 2017 PNG Trophy Tour came to an end on Thursday.

The Paul Barrière Trophy went on its final road show in the nation’s capital visiting communities at 2 Mile, down to Koki and then Wanigela village.

Enthusiastic locals at Koki market got the chance to see firsthand and touch the ultimate prize in international rugby

It then continued to the new Koki fish market, up Lawes Road, into Konedobu than into the heart of the central business district in down town Port Moresby.

The convoy ended up at the Oil Search National Football Stadium (NFS).

At the NFS, the trophy was received by Chairman of the Port Moresby Rugby Football League, Dr James Naipo, before being handed over to Rugby League World Cup 2017 representatives.

Oil Search General Manager Stakeholder Engagement, Leon Buskens said the Trophy touring the country was a uniting factor for PNG, as thousands of people around the country came into contact with the Trophy.

"We are grateful to have had the Trophy for 30 days, it has visited a number of provinces and districts in the country uniting the people of PNG together, and this was made possible through partnerships with business houses around the country, and the PNG Rugby Football League," said Buskens.

He added that many Papua New Guineans had passed their well wishes to the PNG Kumuls, who will represent the country on the world stage during the Rugby League World Cup 2017 which starts this month.

Naipao thanked Oil Search for the initiative to bring the World Cup Trophy to the people of PNG.

The Trophy was handed over the Rugby League World Cup 2017 representatives Rohan Sawyer and Tasman Samuel to signify the end of the Tour.

The Oil Search Trophy Tour travelled to various parts of the country including Morobe, Eastern Highlands, Hela, Southern Highlands, East New Britain, New Ireland Central provinces and the National Capital District, starting on the September 11-October 12.

The Paul Barrière Trophy leaves PNG shores today and will return to Australia in preparation for the Rugby League World Cup 2017.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author: 
Troy Taule