The Hunters will host East Tigers in the Round 18 Intrust Super Cup 'Get in the Game' Country Week presented by BHP game at the Aipus Oval in Wabag, Enga Province on Saturday July 20, 2019.
PNGRFL CEO Reatau Rau said today that after an inspection by coach Michael Marum early this week, Queensland Rugby League gave its approval late yesterday.
“Queensland Rugby League’s (QRL) competition manager Dave Maiden confirmed late on Tuesday, upon recommendations by coach Michael Marum, 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 would proceed as scheduled,” Rau said.
Match: Hunters v Tigers
Round 18 -
home Team
Hunters
13th Position
away Team
Tigers
6th Position
Venue: Aipus Oval, Wabag
Rau said the Enga Provincial Government has invested in a new stadium which includes modern change rooms, medical and referees rooms etc.
“The country round match will be the first to use this new facility,” Rau said.
He said the theme for the Country Week was Get in the Game, which included community engagements and conducting coaching clinics which the Hunters players and staff would do.
“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 touted to be hosts, however were 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 volcano disaster and moved to Kokopo which ruled them out,” Rau said.
He said an itinerary on when the Hunters players would travel to Wabag and a program of the community engagements leading up to game day would be released early next week.
“We will also advise (on) ticket prices (and on) outlets where you can purchase tickets from and when they go on sale next week,” Rau said.
He acknowledged the support from the QRL and all the club's partners and sponsors.
“On behalf of the PNGRFL Board Chairman Sandis Tsaka, Directors and all stakeholders, I thank Dave Maiden and staff of 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.
“The game will be televised ‘live’ out of Wabag and we plan to deliver the standards and experiences applied in Port Moresby to make the Get in The Game Country week a success."
