K20 GRAND UP FOR GRABS IN HIRITANO SUPER 9s TOURNEY THIS WEEKEND
PICTURE CAPTION: Hiritano Super 9s President Rolf Maino.
BY JOE GURINA
K20,000 is up for grabs in the Hiritano Super Rugby League Nines tourney slated for this weekend in Bereina, Kairuku, Central province.
30 teams are set to vie for the prize money that will be shared amongst winners in the cup, plate and bowl fixtures of the tournament, that begins on Friday December, 12, 2025 and ends with grand final berths on Sunday 15, December, 2025.
It has been fours years in the making and the rugby league 9s tourney this year will be a bumper, according to president Rolf Maino.
Maino says,” the aim of the tournament was initially staged to encourage youths promote social development, foster community unity and identify raw talents along the Hiritano highway to make an exit into bigger Port Moresby competitions in the nation’s capital.”
He says the Hiritano Super Nines programme was an inspiration to many youths who got involved and the outcome was satisfying, after witnessing Bartholomew Evi, a product of the 9s program who won the the rookie of the year in 2024, whilst playing for the Central Dabaris.
He says the Hiritano Super Nines is the brain child of the now Dabaris team manager Don Pio, that has seeing HSN growth of the program that continues to enrich youths with their focus and endeavours in rugby league.
With that determination, HSN has grown into include a self sustaining 10 person committee with Clement Pio Avaisa and himself ( Maino) as president, whilst Paul Aluofo appointed as tournament director, a position suited in his capacity as the Kairuku district administration sports coordinator based in Bereina.
