Sandis Tsaka

Dr Yaru is a Founding Director of the KPHL Board since 2013 until his recent elevation as Chairman of Kumul Petroleum Board of Directors. He hails from Par Village in Kompiam/Ambum district in Enga Province

Tsaka said Dr Yaru’s academic achievements, qualifications, and more than 30 years of experience in a variety of challenging positions and places him in good stead to head the National School’s Rugby League program.

“Oil Search came on board in 2017 to empower women and girls who make up 50 per cent of our population and their investment in women’s rugby league is valued and much appreciated.

 “Their first ever international Test win against England in 2019 and on home soil is the fruits of this invaluable support by Oil Search,” Tsaka said.

The Oil Search PNG Orchids are ranked 4th in the World going into the 2021 RLWC and we are confident that with the continuing support of Oil Search as the Naming Rights Partner, the team will do well to improve on this standing.

The Presidents claim the Board has hijacked the process to avoid the election of a new chairman and Director of the Southern Confederate.

The PNGRFL AGM scheduled for today was deferred to the 28^th of March.

The main agenda of the AGM included was the election of the PNGRFL Chairman and Director of the Southern Confederate.

In a media conference, 22 Presidents from the Southern and Northern confederates aired their disappointment over the call to defer the AGM at the eleventh hour.

A memorandum of understanding was signed today at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

PNGRFL chairman, Sandis Tsaka, said the MoU will be followed by the signing of a sponsorship contract early next year.

“Their support has gone from a silver level support to gold sponsorship for PNGRFL across all its brands,” stated Tsaka.

PNGRFL chairman, Sandis Tsaka, applauded the partnership, saying the signing was significant as it invests in the future of PNG boys and girls.

The memorandum of understanding that was signed with Coca-Cola in September was formalised today at the National Football Stadium.

PNGRFL chairman, Sandis Tsaka, said the National Schools Rugby League competition provides a pathway for both male and female students, between the ages of 14 and 18, opportunities to aspire to becoming a Kumul or an Orchid and represent PNG at the international stage.

He said this after reports were put out in the Australian media about Cairns and PNG considering launching an unprecedented joint bid for a NRL expansion licence.

“The PNGRFL is not aware of and has not discussed any joint NRL bid with any other city to the NRL.

“A NRL Bid is a massive venture that would require substantial investment in resources and infrastructure capacity in terms of elite and junior development pathways and football infrastructure, which PNG currently lacks and is still developing.

Chairman of the PNGRFL, Sandis Tsaka said the agenda will include the 2017 PNGRFL Annual Reports and Audited Financials.

He said a general meeting will be held after the AGM to discuss other rugby league matters.

Tsaka reminded eligible delegates that travel to and from the AGM plus accommodation costs will be met by the PNGRFL and subsistence and other costs are the responsibility of the delegates and their respective leagues.

Daroa, aged 67 from Hanuabada in the nation’s capital, died in Port Moresby on Sunday after a short illness.

“Lohia was PNG Kumul No. 3,” said chairman Sandis Tsaka.

“He wore the first PNG Kumuls No.3 jersey as a centre in PNG’s first ever Test Match against England in Port Moresby in July, 1975.”

Daroa played two Tests. He was a member of the flamboyant Hanuabada Hawks side in the 70s and Southern Zone.

Before officially handing over the body to Ottio’s family at the funeral service held today, Chairman of the PNGRFL, Sandis Tsaka, said the Kato Ottio Trust Fund was opened yesterday.

He said Ottio had always dreamt of building a house for his mother, Joyce, and the PNGRFL wanted to make this dream come true in honour of the late SP Hunters and PNG LNG Kumuls star.

Tsaka welcomed contributions from the general public who wish to assist by depositing money into the Trust Fund.

He said the account will be closed next Thursday, January 18, at 12pm.