IMBONNGU SUPER 9s KICKS OFF IN WALUME

BY JOSEPH REMA

THE Imbonggu Rugby League “Back to School” Super 9s tournament kicked off yesterday at Walume in the Southern Highlands Province, drawing teams from across the district.

The two week-long round-robin competition features 20 teams from the Imbonggu Proper and Ialibu Basin local-level (LLG)government areas.

Imbonggu Rugby League vice-president Elvis Imbi said rugby league competitions were traditionally held in district centres, towns and cities where police presence and security were readily available.

“Due to the lack of a suitable playing field in the district, previous competitions were staged in remote village locations, far from police and security services,” Mr Imbi said.

He said this often resulted in security concerns, including fights and other social problems, due to inadequate supervision.

“As a result, we have brought the game back to a central location so every team can enjoy the spirit of the game in a safer environment,” he said.

Mr Imbi said the tournament was aimed at keeping young people positively engaged, particularly those who had dropped out of the education system.
“When young people leave school, many roam the streets aimlessly, turn to drugs or end up in early marriages,” he said.

“Rugby league can capture their focus, improve their lives and provide a platform for them to showcase their raw talent.”

He said outstanding players would be identified and scouted to play for franchise teams such as the Mendi Muruks and the SP PNG Hunters, with the long-term goal of producing players capable of representing Papua New Guinea in the National Rugby League (NRL) by 2028.