2017

After nine rounds, the Hunters have accrued 14 points - from seven wins and two losses, with a points for and against of 54.

The top 6 are: SP Hunters (14), Easts Tigers (13), Redcliffe Dolphins (12), Townsville Blackhawks (12), Sunshine Coast Falcons (11), Souths Logan Magpies (10).

Coach of the Hunters, Michael Marum said last weekend’s 26-10 win over Northern Pride came from a good effort from his team.

“The win was a good way to end the first nine rounds of the competition.

While the main emphasis may be on the Pacific Mini-Games to be held in Vanuatu in December, Team PNG is equally excited about participating at two international events which will take place before this.

The first of these is the Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG) at Nassau in the Bahamas which will be held from July 19 to 23.

Chef de Mission for Team PNG, Michael Henao said the Commonwealth Youth Games are an exciting opportunity for young Papua New Guineans to aspire to be something great.

The 18 man squad was revealed by Chairman of the PNG Rugby Football League, Sandis Tsaka at a press conference at the National Football Stadium.

Tsaka said the Kumuls will be without captain and Brisbane Broncos player, David Mead who is carrying a rib injury and will be out of action for the next two-three weeks.

“The team was put together by the selectors chaired by the coach himself. It’s the best team available.

“The selectors picked the team in anticipation of injuries and suspensions,” said Tsaka.

The ‘freight train’ Minoga had the crowd of 6, 738 on their feet in celebration after only the 2^nd minute of play when he crossed over the line for his first of the match.

Captain Ase Boas converted the try giving the Hunters a 6-0 lead.

Boas made it 10-0 in the 26^th minute when he dummied and stepped into a gap to run forty metres to score on the wing.

These were the only points from the first half.

A penalty right in front in the opening minutes of the second half gave the Hunters an opportunity to extend their lead.

The Cup plus the eight captains of the franchises were out on show for the public to see to help build up excitement for the semi-professional competition that is all set to kick off this weekend.

Chairman of the PNG National Rugby League Competition (PNG NRLC), Adrian Chow said this weekend’s games will be played in Port Moresby, Lae, Goroka and Wabag.

“Later rounds will see games in all our other centres in Kokopo, Minj and Mendi.

Chow pointed out that the new national competition offers opportunities as well as challenges.

The eight: NCDC Vipers, Kroton Hela Wigmen, Agmark Rabaul Gurias, Reigning premiers Lae Snax Tigers, Bintangor Goroka Lahanis, Waghi Tumbe, PRK Mendi Muruks and EPG Enga Mioks.

Chairman of the newly revamped PNG National Rugby League Competition, Adrian Chow said nine applications to participate were received.

The application from the Mt Hagen Eagles was rejected.

 “The Executive Management Board considered all the applications thoroughly and did not accept the Eagles application because it is determined to manage a national competition free of violence.

So far, 20 teams have registered to play and this is expected to increase, according to Junior President, Micah Vaira.

“We had 12 teams last year so we’ve really picked up since then. It’s still a new concept but we’re expecting a lot more teams this season.

“We’ll have three weekends of trials before the season proper commences,” said Vaira.

The divisions in the competition are: Men’s, Premier Mixed, Social A, B and C.

“We’re going to use the trials to see the skill levels of the teams and then put them into the different divisions,” said Vaira.

The Hunters were in trouble three minutes into the round eight match for the Kokoda Cup when Kurtis Rowe crossed over to score.

Keanu Te Kiri then added the two points to bring the Bears out to a 6-0 lead.

But the combination of Ase Boas and Wera put the Hunters right back in the contest, with two tries to Wera in the space of five minutes.

The first came in the 11^th minute from an inside ball to a charging Wera, and the second through a chip kick over the defence for a flying Wera to catch and score right before the dead ball line.

In the Southern Conference matches played at the Sir John Guise Stadium, Papaka FC def. PRK Erema Gulf FC 3-2, Hekari United FC def. PKA Rapatona FC 6-0 and Gigira Amoana FC def. Admiralty FC 11-0.

To the Northern Conference at the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium, Morobe United FC def. Bulolo FC 7-0, Nawae FC def. Markham FC 1-0 and Lahi United FC drew with Laiwaden FC 1-1.

Chairman of the MKRLA, Pipi Dai Boe said 16 clubs have registered to play in two divisions- A Grade men’s and U-20 men’s.

Boe said NCD Governor, Powes Parkop will do the official kick off at 9:30am. He also wished all teams the best of luck this weekend.

“Most of all, let’s all conduct ourselves in the true spirit of the rugby league and sports in general.

“Let’s have respect for each other and denounce any unsociable and unruly behaviour,” said Boe.