Inter-provincial origin rugby league contest
Governor Ipatas dreams up province of origin league series between Enga and Morobe
By PHILIP DOWA
ENGA Governor Peter Ipatas has initiated the inaugural inter-provincial origin rugby league match between the Morobe Tambuaks and Pogera Gold Nuggets this weekend at the newly built Paiyam Sports Stadium.
Ipatas said the idea was to share skills and experience by engaging city players with their rural counterparts while keeping the players fit during off-season.
He said the country's sports people must be kept in peak form, even after their codes' season is over.
The provincial origin game will be played in a three-match series; the first one being at Paiyam Stadium, the second will be played in Lae and the final will be played in Goroka.
Ipatas will donate a shield and will officially kick off the first match at Pogera on November 16 at Paiyam Stadium.
The series' executive officer, Timothy Lepa has commended Governor Ipatas for the initiative while challenging other leaders to take the lead in promoting grassroots games.
He said while the main body, Papua New Guinea Football League was going through a financial difficulties, leaders at all levels must help the youths in positive participation in sports so that they do not get involved in other illegal activities.
Lepa has contacted the Pogera Joint Venture Sports coordinator Dickson saying, who said preparations for the game were all set.
He said the Gold Nuggets have been training and are ready to take on the city boys from Morobean capital.
The Nuggets line-up includes some players from the previous Enga Mioks like Nathan Anjo, Nissan Pakastan and Young Pes.
Morobe Tambuaks head coach Joe Katsir knows the style of Wabag football and has talent in his line-up including former international Andrew Kanamon, Jonah Macay, captain David Roo and his deputy Lucas Tura.
The Morobeans have been training for the last three weeks and are confident of an easy win.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Highlands' four districts, Laigaim, Mulitak, Kandep and Pogera have prepared at team each for the curtain raiser matches.
