By CHARLIE DUMAVI
SPORTS Minister Don Polye says PNG should concentrate on beating Australia in the men’s rugby league competition before shifting its focus to the women’s league.
He based this assertion on observations from the recent Prime Ministers XIII clash, which has realigned the medium and long-term goals for rugby league in PNG.
“(It’s our) number one priority; lets win Australia within the next two to three years, let’s focus on the men’s,” Minister Polye said.
He stressed the need to achieve one goal at a time rather than attempting to tackle everything simultaneously, emphasising proper articulation of the women’s league’s potential quality, focusing on grassroots development and nurturing talent from an early age.
Polye was responding to Sunday Bulletin’s enquiries on the government’s support to PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRLF) to establish a women’s semi-professional competition in the country similar to the men’s (Digicel ExxonMobil Cup)
He said maintaining a concentrated approach without diversification was key.
Polye acknowledged the quality of the women’s rugby league team but stressed the necessity for a systematic approach in their development.
“Let’s not diversify or dilute our thinking and our focus,” he said.
“Let’s look at the men and at the same time developing the women.
“Our Orchids have to be cultured and trained, while we must develop our team managers, referees and all that.
“It is not just the girls we are looking at – there are lot of technical things.
“But I do not underestimate or undermine the women’s team.”
He highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the PNG government and PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) to launch the Women’s league and create a pathway for female players.
The PNG national women’s rugby league team Orchids is ranked fifth by International Rugby League despite not having a semi-professional competition in the country.
However, PNGRFL is partnering with the Australian government to establish a structured women’s competition and encouraging participation across the nation.
Polye expressed gratitude for Australia’s collaboration with PNGRFL, particularly in school and village programmes aimed at encouraging girls participation in the sport.
“I’m happy that this is taking place now,” he said.
“The PNGRFL is now working with NRL Australian to run the programmes in the schools and villages to encourage the girls into the game.”
