Women’s rugby league is not only going from strength-to-strength in Australia with the NRL Women’s competition just around the corner – but further north in PNG, competitions are growing.
The national women’s team the Orchids are also in for a busy time and are down to play the Broncos Women’s side in a trial next weekend.
This weekend however in Port Moresby’s National Football Stadium, the National Women’s Rugby League championships will be staged in what is set to be a showcase of the game.
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PNGRFL Game Development manager Toksy Nema said the four Confederates – (Southern, Northern, Highlands and New Guinea Islands (NGI) – will assemble in Port Moresby today (Friday) and accommodated at the Pacific Institute of Leadership and Governance (PILAG) formerly IPA at Waigani.
He said the four teams will play against each other in a round robin format and the two top teams will play in the final on Sunday, August 26.
“This game will be the curtain raiser to the Digicel Cup preliminary final between Giru Waghi Tumbes and Goroka Bintangor Lahanis,” Nema said.
He said Saturday’s program will start with an opening ceremony at the NFS at 8am.
“The teams will do a march past in their Confederate colours and a special guest will kick off the 2018 National Women’s Championships,” he said.
Nema said the first game which kicks off at 9am will see current champion’s Southern take on Highlands. This will be followed by Northern up against NGI.
After a 15 minutes break, NGI will face Southern while Highlands meet Northern.
The final round robin matches will have Highlands play NGI and the last game of the day will see Southern host Northern.
“The top two will play in the final on Sunday,” Nema said.
He said the round robin matches will be played over 25 minutes halves with time off for injury while the final on Sunday will be 30 minutes halves and time off for injuries.
Nema said these were the best women players representing their Confederates and exciting games are in store for all Port Moresby residents.
“The Oil Search PNG Orchids team to take on Brisbane Broncos Women will be named on Monday after the Championships, so every player will be vying for a spot,” Nema said.
Nema thanked Coca Cola and Boroko Motors for their support in kind to host the 2018 National Schools and Women’s Rugby League championships.
He also extended his gratitude to PILAG for accommodating the players and officials and PNG Air and NCDC for their travels.
“And a big thanks to the Trustees of the National Football Stadium - Oil Search and Port Moresby Rugby League – for the facilities,” Nema said.
Gate fees are K10 per person. Children under 10 years are free only if accompanied by an adult.
“If the child under 10 years is unaccompanied by an adult, he /she will pay K10,” POMRFL Operations Manager Meke Maino said.
(Main Photo: Chairman Sandis Tsaka meets NGI players last year. Submitted)
