PNG improves rankings

Posted by The National 

PAPUA New Guinea are the big movers in the men’s and women’s rugby league world rankings.

The Kumuls have been recognised for their progress in the past 12 months, which culminated in the weekend’s 28-10 defeat of Great Britain, which vaulted them from 10th to sixth place.
The Orchids, who won their Test against England in Port Moresby last Saturday, climbed from sixth position to fourth.
Kumuls coach Michael Marum sees the rise up the rankings as a natural part of their journey, saying: “PNG climbing from 10th to sixth spot is really good for us. We can only go higher with more international fixtures.”
Orchids coach Bagelo Solien said: “Going up two spots from sixth to fourth is pleasing after two test matches and we can only get better from here. It is good for the women’s game nationally and internationally.”
Meanwhile, New Zealand have usurped Australia as the top nation in the International Rugby League world rankings after the conclusion of the 2019 season.
The Kiwis have built on their 2018 wins over Australia and England and their recent 2-0 series defeat of Great Britain and victory in the mid-season Oceania Cup Test against Tonga to take the top position from the Kangaroos despite losing to them in Wollongong last month.
Since winning the 2017 World Cup final, Australia have only played four Tests — winning two and losing two.
Tonga remain in fourth spot but their historic triumph against the second-placed Kangaroos earlier this month has closed the gap on England, who now sit in third place in the world ranking.
IRL chief executive officer Nigel Wood congratulated the countries on the rise.
“Firstly, I would like to congratulate New Zealand on achieving their number one position. It is fully deserved based upon their recent excellent performances with four wins from their last five international games,” he said.
“Tonga has possibly been the story of the recent internationals and they deserve all the plaudits that they have received.
“They have certainly cemented their place as a genuine top four-nation and, along with other Pacific nations, throws the competition wide open for Rugby League World Cup 2021.” – NRL

Go to this link for more: https://www.thenational.com.pg/png-improves-rankings/

Club championship set

Posted on The National

THE Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) has commended all its affiliated competitions throughout the country for completing their seasons with grand finals.
PNGRFL chairman Sandis Tsaka said it was pleasing to note that all the matches were largely incident-free.
“There were some who had issues but I am pleased to learn that these matters were resolved within their leagues,” he said.
“We are taking responsibility and ownership in our leagues to resolve matters that risk bringing the game into disrepute.”
Tsaka said all premiership-winning men’s teams would now face off in their respective confederates.
“Starting this weekend, the elimination process will begin in each confederate with all the premier clubs to decide the regional club champions,” he said.
“The champions at the end of these eliminations must be decided by Nov 10.
“The champions will represent their confederates at the national club championship in Lae from Nov 15-17.”
Tsaka said teams were allowed only one player from the Digicel Cup, SP Hunters or PNG Kumuls.
“But as long as they are registered with their respective leagues,” he said.
He said all participating clubs must read and sign a participation agreement.
“This must be submitted to the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League headquarters with the names of 25 players and three officials as soon as possible,” Tsaka said.
In the Southern Confederate, Kiunga premiers Storm host their Tabubil champions Storm tomorrow.
At the National Football Stadium, Port Moresby Rugby Football League champions Brothers take on the Port Moresby Suburban Rugby League premiers Mountain Bulls.
University of Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League premiers Human Resources Management take on Motu-Koita Rugby League champions Tatana Islands Dolphins.
On Nov 3, Alotau Spiders face Northern Motel Bulldogs in Popondetta.
The Gulf playoff was won by Young Tigers (Kerema) over Highway Cowboys (Isouposa) in Kerema last weekend.


Go to this link for more: https://www.thenational.com.pg/club-cship-set/

Komo league ends season with first grand final

Posted on The National

KOMO Rugby League Association had its first grand finals on Sunday, signifying a historic achievement for the district.
The inaugural season has seen Komo produce female, Under-20 and the A-grade teams.
Under-20 player Humule Thomas Wabe made it into the Highlands side at the regional championships in Goroka.
Sunday started with Topai Python and Gateway Dust facing off in the women’s division. Gateway Dust won 3-0.
The B-Grade fixture was the second match of the day, with Elawi Sharks beating Topai Tigers 2-1.
The last game was the men’s grand final. Kupe Eels’ Ikipe Amenaya scored the opening try and man-of-the-match Aipe Kamia scored the last four-pointer to secure a 18-8 win over the Tigers
Hela Sports and Youth coordinator Ken Angobe, ExxonMobil PNG’s Kim Hahn, Murray Johnson and Elly Sawa and Hides Gas Development Corporation operations manager Abel Voyorite attended.
Kim Hahn when making the presentation said the tournament had brought peace and unity to the community. She said it had broken down barriers and had included all members of the district.
“We are glad that we have been here with you since day one when you started this journey and you have truly inspired us as well as other communities who now want to be like you,” Hahn said. Angobe thanked ExxonMobil PNG and Hides Gas Development for their support towards the association.
Angobe praised the community and the players for displaying a safe and eventful day of matches.

Go to this link for more: https://www.thenational.com.pg/komo-league-ends-season-with-first-grand-final/

Kumuls named for 9s

Posted on The National

BRISBANE Broncos hooker James Segeyaro is expected to captain the Papua New Guinea LNG Kumuls at the Rugby League World Cup Nines in Sydney, Australia, from Oct 18-19.
Hela Wigmen centre Stanford Talita is the only fulltime Digicel Cup player named in Michael Marum’s 16-man squad. Announcing the national sides yesterday, PNG Rugby Football League chairman Sandis Tsaka said the Kumuls and Oil Search Orchids (women) players were selected on form and performance, with most having just completed their season.
Orchids executive committee chairman Ruth Waram said the team were selected on agility and speed.
“We may still be finding our feet in the 13s game but this shorter version will suit our style and athleticism, which we naturally have,” Waram said.
Waram said the team would be coached by Bagelo Solien.
“He did a good job with the women at the Pacific Games and against the Brisbane Broncos women’s team last month so I have every confidence and support in him,” Waram said.
Kumuls executive committee chairman Sudhir Guru said Marum and the national selectors had picked a strong team and “they will do us proud in this shorter version”.
Only four nations – Australia, New Zealand, England and PNG – are competing in the women’s tournament.
Twelve nations are competing in the men’s tournament with the Kumuls in Pool A alongside Australia, New Zealand and the United States.
England, France, Lebanon and Wales make up Pool B while Pool C has Tonga, Fiji, Samoa and the Cook Islands.
The Kumuls and Orchids will assemble in Port Moresby on Monday.
The tournament will be played at Bankwest Stadium – home of the Parramatta Eels.
Kumuls: Stargroth Amean (Barrow Raiders), Watson Boas (Barrow Raiders), Edwin Epape (Wynnum Manly), Edene Gebbie (Wynnum Manly), Lachlan Lam (Sydney Roosters), Kyle Laybutt (Townsville Blackhawks), Bernard Lewis (Sydney Roosters), Garry Lo (Hunters), Rhys Martin (Leeds Rhino), Justin Olam (Melbourne Storm), Nixon Putt (North Devils), Daniel Russell (North Queensland Cowboys), James Segeyaro (Brisbane Broncos), Jedidiah Simbiken (Redcliffe Dolphins), Stanford Talita (Hela Wigmen), Terry Wapi (Hunters).
Orchids: Elsie Albert (UNRE Cowgirls), Catherine Anjo (Hohola Flies), Heather Ario (Gabutu Dragons), Lekiellia Brown (Wentworthville Magpies), Shae-Yvonne Dela-Cruz (Easts Tigers), Carol Francis (Gabutu Dragons), Shirley Joe (Eriku Panthers), Janet Johns (Hanuabada Hawks), Roswita Kapo (Paga Panthers), Sera Koroi (Goodna Eagles), Ua Ravu (Leeton Greens), Jacobeth Wake (Royas Ramu League), Joyce Waula (Blackswan Royals), Veronica Waula (Royals), Angelo Watego (Capalaba Warriors), Josephine Wong (Nightcliff Dragons).

Go to this link for more: https://www.thenational.com.pg/kumuls-named-for-9s/

Wigmen innocent: Hondina

Cup organisers say Hela side will not be penalised over alleged incident

By JACK AMI - The National

DIGICEL Cup organisers say grand finalists Hela Wigmen will not be penalised over an alleged sexual-assault incident that took place in Port Moresby on Sunday.
It was alleged that Wigmen supporters had chanced upon a female Tigers supporter after she had made her way out of the Oil Search National Football Stadium following the Lae side’s 15-4 victory.
However, Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) manager Stanley Hondina said yesterday that the franchise would not be penalised as it was the work of opportunists.
“We have guidelines to safeguard the competition and its franchises, and Wigmen are not part of this unfortunate incident,” he said.
NFS general manager Lee Pokarop said yesterday’s front-page article in the other daily had tarnished the work done to develop the sport.
“We don’t know which source the reporter had got his or her story from as all the sports reporters were still at OSNFS after the grand final. We should get our facts right before publishing such reports,” Pokarop said.
“This is like attacking rugby league and undoing a peaceful grand final. Prime Minister James Marape and Sports Vice-Minister Wesley Raminai hailed it a great success. Security is our number-one priority at the stadium.
“It is unfortunate and the blame should not be shouldered by both organisations (NFS and PNGNRLC) as it did not take place in the venue.
“For events like the Rugby League World and any other international events, security is extended outside the stadium.
“We’d like to assure our people and supporters that the venue has a highly-professional approach in dealing with such behaviour and does not entertain violence.”
PNGNRLC chairman Adrian Chow said it was an isolated incident.
“This is an unfortunate incident and the Wigmen should not be blamed as it was work of opportunists claiming to be supporters, allegedly attacking a woman and smashing vehicle windows at the back of Boroko Post Office,” he said.
“This is a police matter now so they will have to investigate and arrest the suspects involved in the incident.
“We have a zero tolerance on violence. It’s unfortunate that this has happened.”

Go to this link for more: https://www.thenational.com.pg/wigmen-innocent-hondina/

Parkop condemns violence

By Rebecca Kuku and Majorie Finkeo The National

NATIONAL Capital District Governor Powes Parkop has condemned the violence that broke out after the Lae Tigers beat Hela Wigmen 15-4 in the Digicel Cup rugby league final at the National Football Stadium on Sunday.
Parkop said that he was “totally disgusted, ashamed” by what had transpired.
According to police reports, four females were stripped and sexually abused by a group of Hela Wigmen supporters at Boroko.
Dog Unit director Leith Nidung told The National that the four young women wearing Lae Tigers T-shirts were pulled off near the big drain at the back of Stop & Shop next to Salvation Army, where their clothes were torn off.
Nidung said they were harassed and sexually assaulted when police arrived at the scene.
“They were completely naked and the group of Hela Wigmen supporters were trying to gang-rape them when police arrived and rescued them,” he said.
“The public assisted the four women with clothes to cover their bodies.
“Luckily, the incident happened close to the police station, there was a lot of people watching but no one wanted to help till police arrived at the scene.
“What has happened to our society for such an animalistic act to have taken place?”
Nidung said Hela Wigmen supporters also threw stones at their vehicles and police were outnumbered but they did their very best to contain the incident.
“Vehicle windscreens were stoned, lap tops, mobile phones stolen, bag-snatching, pick-pockets and many innocent Lae Snax Tigers supporters were attacked.
“It was difficult to arrest the suspects because of the crowd and we could not identify them.”
Hela Governor Philip Undialu also condemned the attacks and mayhem caused by Hela supporters after they lost.
Undialu told The National that “while he was not taking responsibility for the incidents” he condemned the actions of the person or persons using the Hela Wigmen name to incite violence.
Meanwhile, the Hela Wigmen Rugby League Club released a statement yesterday saying that it was an isolated incident by opportunists.
The statement said that an isolated incident could not be used to discredit what was an outstanding 2019 Digicel Cup competition, an entertaining finals series topping off with a spectacular grand final on Sunday.
“The Kroton Hela Wigmen were gracious in defeat.
“No punches were thrown by the players or the officials for the entire 80 minutes. Rugby League won at the end of the day,” the statement said.
“What happened between spectators within National Football Stadium are within the jurisdiction of the venue management to take note off and appropriate fines and actions to be imposed on the people concerned.
“What happens outside the National Football Stadium are in the hands of the police and appropriate charges must be laid on the people concerned by laying formal complaints. It is a police matter.”


Go to this link for more: https://www.thenational.com.pg/parkop-condemns-violence/

Hetra not buying into fans hype

Posted on The National

HELA Wigmen skipper Benjamin Hetra is not buying into the hype that his side will have more fans at the Digicel Cup grand final in Port Moresby on Sunday.
The 29-year-old forward said the National Football Stadium was a neutral ground and his team were focused on their individual roles ahead of the match against the Lae Tigers.
“Port Moresby is not our home ground, we haven’t had any home ground for the last three years,” the former SP Hunter said.
“NFS is a neutral ground. Whether we play in Port Moresby, Lae or Mt Hagen, it is always a neutral ground for us.
“He have our structure and style of play, and we will stick to it. We won’t let the hype around the supporters get in our way.
“Having a big following is good. It’s a bonus for our team but we are more focused on ourselves and what we need to do and not get carried away.”
NFS has seen a huge turnout of Hela fans over the last three Wigmen games against the Rabaul Gurias, Goroka Lahanis and Waghi Tumbe.
Tigers coach Stanley Tepend said the Wigmen would use their fan base as an advantage but his side were focusing on their game.

Go to this link for more: https://www.thenational.com.pg/hetra-not-buying-into-fans-hype/

Sine confident forwards will stop Hela Wigmen

By PARKER TAMBUA - The National

LAE Snax Tigers vice-captain Enoch Sine is confident his forwards will lift to contain their Wigmen counterparts when the two sides meet in the Digicel Cup grand final at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Sunday (3pm kick-off).
The in-form centre told The National on Wednesday that his forwards had monitored the Hela pack in recent games and they knew what to expect on game day.
“The Wigmen have a young and hungry forward pack, we have watched their games recently and they are a pretty strong side,” Sine said. “As for us, our forwards know what to do, we have our defensive structures in place. We’ve got our tackling tactics and we’ll try to slow the play around the ruck which is vital in tiring their big men in the middle. Defence has been our main strength this season and this game is no exception, we are ready and looking forward to execute our defensive structures to contain the Wigmen forwards.”
The Tigers have an experienced pack with the likes of Roy Kela, Mark Piti and former Hunters Ismael Balkawa, Junior Rop and Andy John who will be out in full force to cause problems for the Wigmen. However, the Wigmen have nothing to lose and coach Andrew Andiki has declared that his forwards in the likes of the in-form Emanuel Waine, Ham Tina, Junior Mel and veteran Benjamin Hetra will come out firing on all cylinders.
The battle of the forwards in the middle of the park is expected to go a long way in determining who takes out the Digicel Cup premiership.

Go to this link for more: https://www.thenational.com.pg/sine-confident-forwards-will-stop-hela-wigmen/

Wigmen commend Wabo, Stone

By PARKER TAMBUA - The National

KROTON Hela Wigmen coach Andiki Andrew has praised the input of former Kumul and Wigmen Charlie Wabo and former PNG sprinter Nelson Stone.
The 2014 Wigmen premiership winning hooker has been part of the coaching staff this season as an assistant and Aniki said Wabo’s influence on the team had boosted the side’s performance throughout the season.
“Charlie is a role model to the current crop of players in the team. He was their childhood idol,” Andrew told The National.
“Charlie’s experience and knowledge of the game has helped the boys a lot, they are listening to him and he has brought a culture of respect into the side.”
Andiki also thanked the efforts of the four-time Pacific Games gold medallist Stone who has been in charge of the Wigmen’s strength and conditioning this season.
“I find it difficult at times to get the boys familiar with the structure and style of plays but when I brought in Nelson along with Charlie, they have made it easy for me and the hard work we all put in has paid off for us to come this far,” Andiki said.
The former 400m Pacific champion also shared his thoughts after Wigmen’s semifinal win over theGoroka Lahanis a fortnight ago , saying that he was proud of the team’s success.
“I am so proud of this team, I’m work closely with them in our finals preparation,” Stone said.
“Taking care of the Wigmen’s gym sessions, (muscle endurance) and speed and agility sessions (strength endurance) is an honour and I’m glad to see it pay off.”

Go to this link for more: https://www.thenational.com.pg/wigmen-commend-wabo-stone/

Wigmen, Tigers do battle

Posted on The National

Digicel Cup grandfinalists look to snap title drought

SUNDAY’S grand final between the Lae Tigers and the Hela Wigmen (3pm kick-off) in Port Moresby is expected to be a good, old-fashioned slugfest as both sides look to reclaim the Digicel Cup.

For the Lae Biscuit Company-sponsored Tigers, it is their fourth grand final appearance, having last won the country’s premier competition in 2017.
For the Kroton-backed Wigmen, it will be their second grand final appearance, having won the Cup in 2014.
With droughts to snap, both sides will be looking to hit the ground running after Prime Minister James Marape gets proceedings underway at the National Football Stadium.
On paper, the Tigers’ big-game experience will count to their advantage against a Wigmen side made up mostly of unknown talent who have been playing out of their skin since the start of the finals.
Skipper Benjamin Hetra is the most experienced Wigmen, having played for the SP Hunters in the Queensland Intrust Super Cup. However, he faces a race against time to be fit for the clash.
Not content with the minor premiership, Tigers coach Stanley Tepend will be demanding a near-perfect performance from his charges as they look to complete a rare double against a Wigmen outfit who have been playing finals football since the last round of the regular season when they edged the Enga Mioks for the final spot in the top-six playoffs.
“We know the opposition are on a roll but we are planning to start off strong to set the tone for the entire match,” Tepend said on Wednesday.
“The full team of players and officials are all flying Lae into Port Moresby on Friday before the final team are announced.”
Wigmen coach Andiki Andrew said they were relaxed heading into the match.
“We are working and polishing up our structures, especially our defence,” he said.
“We aim to contain the bigger Tigers forwards who have been dominant all season along with their backline
“This will not be an easy task for us. In the finals, we’ve had different structures for our matches against the Agmark Rabaul Gurias, reigning premiers Bintangor Goroka Lahanis and the second-placed JPG Waghi Tumbe. We have devised a new one for the Tigers.
“We believe the structure will be effective with our players adjusting to it. They know what they are supposed to do against the opposition.”
Tigers possible line-up: 1. Joe Joshua, 2. Kafare Amos 3. Jokadi Bire 4. Roderick Tai, 5. Enoch Sine, 6. Mark Tony, 7. Charlie Simon, 8. Roy Kela, 9. Noel Joel, 10. Mark Piti, 11. Tiger Emeri, 12. Junior Rop, 13. Ishmael Balkawa, 14. Wesser Tanzer, 15. John Gend, 16. John Andy, 17. Tikiko Noke.
Wigmen possible line up: 1. Sylvester Bulu, 2. Richard Tuweiyo, 3. Gilmo Paul, 4. Stanford Talita, 5. Nanduka Rame, 6. David Joseph, 7. Tombal Peter, 8. Valentine Culligan, 9. Dobi Michael, 10. Kerry Pep, 11. Emmanuel Waine, 12. Yaksi Kila, 13. Yves David, 14. Raymond Tia, 15. Ham Tina, 16. Junior Jeff Mel, 17. Cliff Denge.

Go to this link for more: https://www.thenational.com.pg/wigmen-tigers-do-battle/

Sellout crowd expected for final

Posted by The National

THE National Football Stadium is expected to be filled to capacity when the Lae Tigers and Hela Wigmen meet in the Digicel Cup grand final in Port Moresby on Sunday.
Sections of Lahara Avenue and Bisini Parade will be inundated as supporters of both teams look to secure a spot in the 15,000-seat stadium ahead of the 3pm kick-off.
While the fanfare is brewing in the lead-up to the country’s showpiece sporting event, Tigers coach Stanley Tepend and his Wigmen counterpart Andiki Andrew are quietly plotting their return to the hot seat as Digicel Cup premiers.
Minor premiers Tigers, who are coming into the match off a week’s rest, last won the competition in 2017 and underdogs Wigmen are looking to break a five-year drought.
“We have come the easy way while the opposition have come the harder way. We respect Andiki and his players for that,” Tepend said in Port Moresby yesterday.
“Our preparations have been good. Several of our players have recovered from niggling injuries and are ready for the game.
“The Wigmen will have huge big support which they will use to their advantage. But we are focusing on ourselves and our preparations. This is a complete different ball game and we need to be ready.”
Andiki said: “We started the season badly. At one stage, we were second from bottom but we climbed to the sixth and sneaked into the top-six finals.
“I brought on board former PNG Kumuls rake Charlie Wabo to assist me with a number of structures that were are incorporating in our game.
“Wabo has inspired our players to perform at their best.
“We respect the Tigers as they are one of the top teams in the competition. We’ve come this far through discipline and commitment and I thank the Lord for his guidance.”
Tigers vice-captain Enoch Sine said they were looking forward to putting in performance worthy of winning the premiership.
Injured Benjamin Hetra — one of the surviving players from the 2014 premiership-winning season — is in contention to play, provided the Wigmen captain passes a medical test.


Go to this link for more: https://www.thenational.com.pg/sellout-crowd-expected-for-final/

Wabag to host Tigers vs Hunters

Posted by The National

WABAG’s Aipus Oval will for the first time host a Queensland Intrust Super Cup match when the SP Hunters play the Easts Tigers in round 18’s ‘Country Week’ in Enga on July 20 (next Saturday).
Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) chief executive Reatau Rau said after an inspection by Hunters coach Michael Marum early this week, the Queensland Rugby League gave its approval on Tuesday.
“QRL ISC competition manager Dave Maiden confirmed 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 will proceed as scheduled,” Rau said. Rau said the Enga government had invested in a new stadium which included modern change rooms, and medical and referees’ rooms.
“The match will be the first to be played at this new facility,” Rau said.
He said the theme for the week was ‘Get in the Game’ and this included community engagements and conducting coaching clinics which the Hunters will attend.
“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,” Rau said.
He added Kimbe was also looked at to host the match. However, the town was not considered as they did not meet one of the conditions which was to play a Digicel Cup match last weekend at the Sir Muthuval stadium.
“That game was cancelled due to the volcanic disaster and moved to Kokopo, which ruled them out,” Rau said.
He said a travel itinerary for the Hunters and a programme of engagements leading up to game day would be released early next week.
“We will also advise on ticket prices, where you can purchase them and when they go on sale next week,” Rau said.
He thanked the support of QRL, and their partners and sponsors.
“On behalf of PNGRFL chairman Sandis Tsaka, directors and stakeholders, I thank Dave Maiden and QRL for their confidence to host the Country Week in Wabag,” Rau said.
“This is the first time for residents of Enga and nearby Highlands towns to see the Hunters play in Wabag,” he said.
“The game will be televised ‘live’ and we plan to deliver the standards and experiences applied in Port Moresby to make the week a success.”
Meanwhile, the 13th-placed Hunters take on competition leaders Sunshine Coast Falcons in Brisbane, Australia, on Sunday (2.35pm kick-off). Woods Kawage’s return from injury should give the Hunters more direction out of dummy-half.

Go to this link for more:https://www.thenational.com.pg/wabag-to-host-tigers-vs-hunters/

Tahina Booth & the healing power of rugby league

MARY KONSTANTOPOULOS | NRL.com

SYDNEY - For Tahina Booth, having the opportunity to play for the Cronulla Sharks in this year’s Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership has been a game-changer.

Tahina only recently returned to the game after some time away and is enjoying playing alongside some of the biggest names in women’s rugby league.

"When Ruan Sims speaks, I am just in awe. I am a low-key fan girl. I feel the same way about Corban McGregor. I love the team and I love the culture," she said.

Whilst Tahina may be in awe of her team-mates, she hasn’t had the opportunity to share her personal story with them. Undoubtedly, if the rest of the team knew that story, they would be low-key fan-girling about her, too.

Tahina grew up in Papua New Guinea and has a deep personal understanding about the levels of gender inequality that exist there.

She was raped at age seven by a person known to her family. She was told that if she told anyone what had happened, they would kill her family.

Out of love for her family and fear of the consequences, Tahina kept this a secret until she was 18.

It was then that she began to comprehend that the depression and anxiety she was experiencing was a result of that trauma suffered as a child.

From that moment, Tahina could begin to get the healing she needed, and sport played a huge role.

"As the years went by, I used sport and the power of sport to take control of my body, to find my voice and to say that I matter," Tahina said.

"What those people did to me is not going to break my spirit. I am where I am today because of sport."

As a teenager, Tahina participated in athletics, basketball, tennis, surfboat rowing, gridiron and rugby league. But it was when she was competing for Papua New Guinea in powerlifting at the South Pacific Games that Tahina realised she could have an even greater impact.

"On the day of competition, out of the 50 athletes competing, I was the only one with all the correct gear, because I was sponsored," she said.

"There were all these incredible athletes getting disqualified because they were sharing uniforms and gear and consequently being timed out because they weren’t changing fast enough.

"So I went back to Australia and asked my social media following if they had any gear to give, because I could hand it directly to the athletes. The post went viral. I thought I would have to organise excess baggage, instead I had to order a shipping container."

The Grass Skirts Project was born and has now grown into an organisation that looks to help create the cultural and societal change in Papua New Guinea necessary to improve the status and health of women through sport.

One of the most successful programs run by GSP was the Hevea Cup Carnival and Wellness Expo which was launched on International Women’s Day in Port Moresby.

The idea was to connect people in PNG with specialist Non-Governmental Organisations that promote health and well-being.

A total of 24 teams competed - 12 men’s teams and 12 women’s teams - while 20 NGOs were also invited to host stalls.

When Tahina arrived at 6.30am to begin setting up, there was a group of 200 women waiting to enter. They were all waiting to hear from Marie Stopes about cervical cancer screenings.

"In Papua New Guinea we need to be engaging more with sporting events to deliver health initiatives," Tahina said.

"My goal is for the Hevea Cup to be rolled out nationally, because it is in the rural communities that we have the greatest power to effect change."

You can see that change in rugby league particularly, which is Papua New Guinea’s national sport.

Tahina has been part of the Papua New Guinea Orchids since their second year.

After the Orchids hosted the Jillaroos in 2018, one of Tahina's team-mates told her she didn’t want to take part in a lap of honour because the last time they had played at home, a year earlier, people were spitting at them and throwing empty cans at them.

Tahina took that young woman’s hand to support her during the lap of honour. But instead of directing vitriol, people were applauding and asking for autographs.

All this in just 12 months. But Tahina recognises there is still plenty of work to do.

"Women can contribute to society in a meaningful way and I can have a role in changing people’s perceptions, especially in rural communities about the role women can play in developing our society for the better," she said.

Go to this link for more: https://asopa.typepad.com/asopa_people/2019/05/tahina-booth-the-healing-power-of-rugby-league.html

Komo youth drop guns & knives to pick up a rugby ball

By EMMANUEL NAROKOBI - PNG Attitude

PORT MORESBY - After six years of tribal fighting, the youth of Komo in Hela Province have taken it upon themselves to reject violence and start the first ever rugby competition.

“We started this about six weeks ago,” said Dr Michael Mai patron of the Komo Rugby Football League Association (KRL) at the official launch last month.

“This is history in the making, a dawn of a new day for this electorate.

“As we are all aware this place was once a no go zone. Komo was a ghost town with no activity except for security vehicles driving up and down the roads.”

Seeing that the youths were being drawn into tribal fighting and substance abuse, KRL chairman Morris Edwin teamed up with Dr Mai to trial 10 teams in a Christmas touch football game.

The results were very successful and a proper competition has now been established to cater for the rapidly growing interest.

Morris Edwin worked hard to bring KRL to life and, in an emotional speech, KRL chairman, thanked religious groups for their prayers, Dr Mai and his team and ExxonMobil for supporting efforts to launch the ground-breaking sports event.

Mr Edwin set up 10 clubs in the men’s competition, six teams in the women’s touch competition and two Under 10 teams.

ExxonMobil PNG is working with the PNG Rugby Football League to host a coaching clinic later this month.

Go tothis link for more: https://asopa.typepad.com/asopa_people/2019/05/komo-youth-drop-guns-knives-to-pick-up-rugby-ball.html

Hela Wigmen to host a home game in Hela soon

By KEVIN TEME - Post Courier

It’s been a long time coming vision for Kroton Hela Wigmen to have its home games played in Hela Province next year.

Founding Chairman Andy Hetra revealed this in an email sent to this paper.

He said with the squad they carry this year, they are obviously building for a transition phase for the team return to Hela next year.

“Thanks to Hela Provincial Government, our field is currently under construction with bulk earth works. We were intended to return this year but construction was held back due to the natural disaster but work has recommenced,” Hetra said.

He thanked the PNG National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) for being considerate and giving them the opportunity to be based in Port Moresby once again particularly for this year.

Hetra said this would be their second consecutive year to be based in Port Moresby and they are looking forward to hosting their first home game in Hela Province as soon as their venue is completed.

He is proud to also say that the Hela Wigmen recruits for this year was from local development programs . “We had district peace games in Koroba, Hela Province over the 2018 Christmas period where all districts in Hela turned up to participate. Fifty men were picked and after a possible versus possible side, it was trimmed down to a 25 men squad,” Hetra said.

He said the 25 men squad were in camp and trained for the Coca Cola Ipatas Cup in Mendi in January and early February in Wapenamanda and moved to Port Moresby.

“With the support of Ipwenz Construction, Kumul Petroleum Holdings and Hela Provincial Government, we brought the Hela based team to Port Moresby to play against three Hela teams from the three electorates of Port Moresby to filter out and to pick the best possible player,” Hetra said.

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