By GABRIEL KATUHO
THE National Capital District (NCD) Junior Schools Rugby League competition will have its finals this weekend after completion of proper seasons.
A total of 28 teams in schools within NCD and two schools from Central province were qualified for this weekend’s grand finals.
There will be 15 grand finals played throughout the weekend with 5 grand finals each day from Friday to Sunday.
Treasurer for NCD school rugby league, Mr Iga Wala, made this known at the launching of the grand finals yesterday (July 3) in Port Moresby.
He said they have 59 teams participating in three pools; Moresby South, Moresby North East and Moresby North West.
“We now have 30 teams who will be participating in the finals from July 5 to July 7 starting this Friday,” he said.
“From the teams, we have under 16 and under 18 girl’s categories, under 15, 17 and 19 division for the boys.”
Mr Wala said the young athletes have shown resilience team work and sportsmanship.
“I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to the individuals and organisations who have made this journey possible.
“Governor for NCD, Hon. Powes Parkop, CEO of PNGRFL Stanley Hondina and the team, General Manager for Performance and Pathways, Toney Archer, thank you for making the competition a success.”
Wala acknowledged the committed teachers, head masters and principals of the participating schools for making sure their students participate in the tournament and congratulated those who made it to the finals.
Tonny Archer spoke highly of the competition as it is in line with player development and pathways for the future rugby league players in the country.
He said while PNG is going into the bid for the NRL, it needs disciplined players and such competition is an avenue where students learn discipline on and off the field.
Archer said not everyone will be the next NRL or Kumuls player, however, the discipline they learnt in such school competitions will help them to be the good citizens of PNG.
He encouraged the teams to go there and put their best for their schools on the weekend.
Teams from Moresby North-East will have their finals on Friday, Moresby North-West teams on Saturday followed by Moresby South on Sunday.
All games will be played at the Sir John Guise stadium in Port Moresby.
Important guest; Tonny Archer (former NRL Referee) now General Manager Player performance and part ways.
