SP Hunters will host East Tigers in the Round 18 Intrust Super Cup (ISC) Country Week game at the Aipus Oval in Wabag, Enga Province, on Saturday July 20.
PNGRFL CEO Reatau Rau said today that after an inspection by Coach Michael Marum early this week, Queensland Rugby League gave its approval late yesterday.
“Queensland Rugby League’s (QRL) ISC competition manager Dave Maiden confirmed late on Tuesday upon recommendations by Coach Michael Marum that outstanding issues, in particular the condition of the playing surface after his visit at the end of May, have met the requirements set and the game would proceed as scheduled,” Rau stated.
Rau said the Enga Provincial Government has invested in a new stadium which includes modern change rooms, medical and referees rooms, etc.
“The country round match will be the first to use this new facility,” Rau said.
He stated that the theme for the Country Week was – Get in the Game – and this includes community engagements and conducting coaching clinics, which the SP Hunters players and staff will attend to.
“The QRL has advised that activities such as clinics, school visits, junior league visits, coaching and referees course updates and female participation visits must be undertaken at each host venues during that weekend.”
He added Kimbe was also touted to be hosts, however were not considered as they did not meet one of the conditions, which was to play a Digicel Cup match last weekend at the Sir Muthuvel stadium.
“That game was cancelled due to the volcano disaster and moved to Kokopo which ruled them out,” Rau explained.
He said an itinerary on when the SP Hunters players will travel to Wabag and a program of the community engagements leading up to game day will be released early next week.
“We will also advise ticket prices, outlets where you can purchase tickets from and when they go on sale next week.”
Rau acknowledged the support from the QRL and all the SP Hunters partners and sponsors. “On behalf of the PNGRFL Board Chairman Sandis Tsaka, directors and all stakeholders, I thank Dave Maiden and staff of QRL for their confidence to host the Country Week in Wabag.
“This is the first time for residents of Enga and nearby Highlands towns to see the SP Hunters play in Wabag.
“The game will be televised live out of Wabag and we plan to deliver the standards and experiences applied in Port Moresby to make the Get in The Game Country week a success,” Rau concluded.
(Filepic)