By GABRIEL KATUHO
HUNTERS Chief Executive officer (CEO), Scott Barker has acknowledged the passing of the former Queensland Rugby League (QRL) Director late Vale Derryl Van de Velde during the launch of the hunters 2024 season in Port Moresby.
While thanking dignitaries at the event, Barker expressed his heart felt gratitude and respect to the former QRL Director.
He said late Van de Velde played a fundamental role in the Hunters’ involvement in the Queensland Cup.
“This week’s sees the passing of former QRL Director Van de Velde. Vale was a player, a coach and the administrator of our great game, but most importantly, he was a great advocate for rugby league in PNG,” Baker said.
“Dale was instrumental when the existence of the Hunters was under threat. He fought through till now to keep us into competition. He put his own reputation on the line to make sure the Hunters would always be part of the Queensland cup competition,” Baker added.
Baker said late Dale was the crucial link in taking the hunters games outside of Port Moresby and he often joined the team travelling the regional areas such as Kokopo and Wabag.
He described that late Vale was not only a great friend of PNG Rugby league but was so many in the rugby league world, his passion, dedication for the game will be solely missed.
Baker said the Hunters will have the final tribute for dale before the next weekend’s game in honor of his legacy to PNG rugby league.
