Erave Rugby League in Kagua Erave District successfully hosted their inaugural grand final after being formally affiliated with the PNGRFL for the first time.
This historic moment unfolded on Saturday 28th October at the Kamare Oval in Erave Station.
Erave Rugby League is one of the four leagues in Southern Highlands Province who are affiliated with the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL).
Four teams from two different divisions competed for the premiership title during the grand final showdown. Junior Tirox won Kawaso Bulldogs with 11 points to 10 on the Under 20 men’s division, whereas Ambo Roosters took down Puki Raiders with 08 points to 06 on the A Grade division.
Interim Director of Erave Rugby League and NBC Enga Provincial Journalist Mr. Emmanuel Eralia in an interview after the grand final expressed his heartfelt satisfaction for the successful season this year.
Mr. Eralia delightfully stated that the 2024 ERL grand final was peacefully successful without disruptions and violence.
“I commend the efforts and respect displayed by the people of Erave on the grand final eve. It was outstanding and dissimilar to other big tournaments and local leagues in PNG, where violence disrupts smooth progresses, causing conflicts amongst various tribal groups and supporters.”
ERL Director Mr. Eralia further highlighted that his main reasons for initiating a revival in the Erave local league was basically to keep youths away from illicit activities that may contradict their personal wellbeing, to revive the local economy in the vicinity, to promote unity and oneness between various tribal groups, and to provide the platform to export raw talents into top tier competitions in the country.
“Local footballers have the skills and strength to compete abroad but they lack the exposure and platform to display their competency in the league,” added Mr Eralia.
In the meantime, Mr Eralia confirmed Erave Rugby League’s participation in the sixth edition of Southern Highlands Nines Tournament, and also added that the two grand final winners of Erave Rugby League will be sent to participate in the PNGRFL Sanctioned club championship that is happening in the Highlands region soon.
Mr Eralia also commended the league’s official, led by President Daniel Mere and is deputy Heron Epawe, including all other executives for ensuring a successful season in compliance to the PNGRFL calendar, and also applauded the eight participating teams for the cooperation all throughout the year.
“I commend the officials’ decisiveness despite challenges and difficult encounters that we faced throughout the season.”
Mr Eralia concluded by extending words of gratitude to all sponsors who assisted in cash and kind to help Erave Rugby League to successfully complete their first ever historic rugby league grand final in 2024.
The Erave Rugby League looks forward to host its second rugby league season in 2025 with the continuous support and collaboration from participating teams, competition executives, corporate sponsors and the people of Erave Local Level Government.
