Digicel Cup 2016

Coach Stanley Tepend said his boys are looking forward to a strong match after coming off a bye on Sunday when season proper commenced. 

Tepend said the only challenge would be playing in a big stadium – the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. 

"My boys are not exposed to such a facility which might be a hurdle for some but otherwise, preparation is all good," Tepend said. 

"The inclusion of Hunters forward Ishmael Balkawa is a plus as he has already played with the PM’s 13 last year and the Hunters this year." 

Balkawa will pack the scrum. 

Damaru says to ‘fight for Papua New Guinea’

http://www.looppng.com/content/damaru-says-%E2%80%98fight-papua-new-guinea%E2%80%99

"I am a Papua New Guinean and will fight for Papua New Guinea."

Church elder slashed with bush knife over headmaster debate

They’re Mendi Muruks, Rabaul Gurias, Goroka Lahanis, Vipers, Enga Mioks, Mt Hagen Eagles, Gulf Isapea, TNA Lions, Hela Wigmen, Waghi Tumbe and Lae Snax Tigers.

The official kick off will get underway at 3pm at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. The event will see Moresby Vipers take on Gulf Isapea.

This is the first time a Digicel Cup match will be played at the new stadium that caters for over 15,000 people.

Madang under 30-day joint police operation
http://www.looppng.com/content/madang-under-30-day-joint-police-operation
​A special 30-day joint police operation is underway in Madang to restore law and order.

The 11 2016 Digicel Cup team captains today gathered at the Laguna Hotel in Port Moresby.

Daplen said last years grand final win was against the TNA Simbu Lions.

The grand final last year was played at Sir John Guise stadium which Gurias won 26-18.

The 44 players will be divided into two teams – Team Crab and Team Fish – to play in trial matches to allow selectors to further trim the squad to the final 25 players.

Bobby Ako from the Isapea coaching team said the squad boasts youth and experience.

Regulars who have maintained their spot so far in the team include Benard Goma, Jenkins Mark, Jojo Forova, Bradley Yano, John Bonny, Japheth Olik, Andrew Luke, Aaron Paul and Rex Tandoa.

Selection was done after the Awasa Cup tournament at the weekend where 18 teams throughout the districts took part.

Muruks team official Jack Kereme said the squad boasts youth and experience with over ten raw talents selected from district teams.

Regulars who have maintained their spot include; David Lapua, Andrew Ipi, Kewa Kili, Ape Nande, Jackson Undi and David Loko.

The 44 players will be divided into two teams, Mendi Black and Mendi White, to play each other this weekend in Mendi.

They are, Mendi One, TNT Jets, Poroma, Imbongu, Mendi Two, Kutubu, Lower Mendi and Upper Mendi.

The eight teams were among 18 that came from districts throughout the province to challenge in the round robin games played last weekend. 

They played in four pools with the top two in each pool qualifying while the rest of the 12 teams were eliminated.

The final play offs kick off on today with Imbongu taking on Upper Mendi in the first game.

The tournament kicked off today at the main town oval with the grand final on Sunday.

Teams taking part are from the districts throughout the province including Ialibu, Pangia, Erave, Kutubu, Poroma, Nipa, Mendi and Imbongu.

The tournament is aimed at scouting local talents to represent the Mendi Muruks in 2016 Digicel Cup season.

Organiser Jack Kerema said they have invited all districts to take part as they want more participation from the local talents.