EMK Sepik Pride

Sepik Pride’s exclusion explained

Sepik Pride co-founder Bradley Simon, who has been the main man behind the birth of the East Sepik franchise, confirms that EMK Sepik Pride was demoted from the semi-professional Rugby League Competition on the grounds of ‘Governance and Finance.’

“The main two reasons behind this decision are Governance and financial capacity and it all goes to our board not getting governance in place as soon as possible; also the non-payment of the naming rights fees. That got us at the end,” said Simon.

Wigmen cruise past Pride

The much anticipated round 13 clash of the Digicel Exxon Mobil Cup, had everything from the get go that set the tone for an action packed afternoon.

At the back of seven consecutive wins and two draws, reigning champions Hela Wigmen are starting to hit their straps with only three more rounds left before the pool matches conclude and the top six are decided.

The opening exchanges of the epic showdown were played in frantic fashion as both teams went about their business to stamp their authority in the contest.

Legacy Cup Set for Saturday

The match was supposed to be played in round seven in the sides first ever clash but was postponed due to preparation. 

The Legacy Cup contest is historically significant for both teams. The match will be played in tribute to Papa Guria, John Nightingale, Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, and the close connection between them as brother teams.

Football Operation Manager for EMK Sepik Pride Bradly Simon says the Legacy Cup match is a tribute to Papa Guria who contributed a lot in supporting rugby league in East Sepik. The fruit of that support is the EMK Sepik Pride.

Sepik Pride clarifies player issue

The club has been working on solving a domestic issue involving its player, second-row forward Badi Jack and his wife that has been a subject to public discussion in recent months.

The issue surfaced when Badi’s wife published on social media images of her being beaten by her husband.

The EMK Sepik Pride said they strongly condemn this behaviour and don’t want to see it happening in the society, but remain committed to its player. The club will work closely with Badi, his wife and the family to solve the problem in the best way possible.  

Dabaris hold out Pride

Billed as the Pool B match of the round the Sepik franchise came out to prove they are not easy beats, with all guns blazing from the get go, keeping the more experienced Central province outfit in check all the way through.

While the Northern end stands was packed with family, fans and supporters to cheer their teams on, it was obvious Dabaris were the loudest which might have got them home in the end.

Sepik Pride were first to score in the 8th minute through backrower Micah Tom for a 4-0 lead.

Pride hold off Lahanis

Inspired by the packed Pora oval, the Sepik Pride outfit took it up to the visitors from the opening exchanges and with unrelenting defense that kept them in the fight until the end.

The 2018 Digicel Cup title holder Lahanis were overwhelmed by a rousing welcome to the EMK Sepik Pride home ground for the first time on Sunday. Inaugural team captain, Wartovo Puara Jr led his team in presenting gifts accompanied by East Sepik Governor and club patron Allan Bird, ushered in by traditional dancing groups.

Puara Clarifies His SP Hunters Exit

The former Guria and PNG LNG Kumul decided to join the Sepik team in the hope of using his experience to boost the standard of domestic rugby league competition in the country.

"For me to go down at the Digicel Cup level, I can see the big difference in the level of game between Digicel Cup and QRL Hostplus,” Puara said. "And for me to go down there, I can help the boys in the competition there using my experience so once they come to Hunters, they're ready for that level and we can see improvement in our SP Hunters team.”

Winning start for Sepik Pride

Sepik Pride fairytale victory 14-8, literally broke the hearts of the PRK Gulf Isou who showed their dominance for majority of the contest.

From a penalty kick, Isou took an early lead 2-0 at halftime.

Second half intensity and pace of the game continued with both teams showing a lot resilience and intent in their attacking sets, while defense was brutal with a number of players on both sides getting cautioned by the match referee.

Pride meet Dabaris in trial

EMK Sepik Pride Chairman Bradley Simon, when confirming the trial match, said they have brought their possible strongest side yet as this will be their last trial match before their maiden round one clash against PRK Gulf Isou on April 16, at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

Simon said their four elite players in Captain Wartovo Puara jnr, prop Francis Kembis, gun centre Joe Frank and former Gurias Captain Francis Takai, are part of their first 17 for tomorrow's trial.

Sepik Pride sign on Puara and Boas

Significantly, yesterday’s contract signing included a cheque presentation of K50,000 to each one by franchise Chairman and EMK owner Emmanuel Kange, as a Sign in Bonus. The rest of the balance under the contract agreement will be settled at the end of the season.

As explained by Kange, Sepik Pride is taking on this initiative. They believe it will add value to the team and ensure player welfare is taken care of now and I to the future.