Date: 18/7/13
The Chairman of the PNGRFL has announced the domestic and international schedule for Team Kumul today after the new board met for the first time at the weekend in Port Moresby.
Fox said there was an enormous amount of work to be done, however the World Cup preparations will be a priority for the new board along with the reintroduction of the Zone and National Championships for Leagues across the nation.
“We had a very good first board meeting and there was plenty that was discussed and other plans put in place and decisions made that will be released and announced over the coming weeks. We did feel however that the lead up schedule for Team Kumul matches and also the dates for the Zone and National Championships should be released now for fans to prepare for. We are excited about the preparation so far through the Team Kumul program and believe it has given us the best possible preparation for the upcoming World Cup.â€
International & Domestic Schedule:
1. Southern Zone Championships – 29th July to 2nd August @ Kwikila
2. Northern Zone Championships – 10th to 11th August @ Wau
3. Highlands Zone Championships – 25th to 26th August @ Goroka
4. Islands Zone Championships – 7th to 8th September @ Kalabond Stadium, Kokopo
5. National Championships – 14th to 16th September @ Lae Rugby League Grounds
6. Team Kumul Trail (domestic and international players) – September 22nd @ Port Moresby
7. PM13 Team Kumul vs. Australian Kangaroos – 29th September @ Kalabond Stadium, Kokopo.
8. Team Kumul World Cup Camp – October 7th to 14th
9. Team Kumul vs Scotland pre WC match – October 15th to 19th (TBC) ‘2013 Telikom PNG Kumuls’ World Cup Campaign’
Fox said it was important that the game was brought back to the grass roots particularly with the staging of the Domestic program;
“We have committed K25,000 towards each Zone to assist in staging their championships, along with assistance in securing funding and sponsorship. The board decided to take the Zone Championships out of the traditional main venues where possible to give outlying areas a chance to host. We believe this will be well received and supported by communities throughout the region. This is a new PNGRFL and is an example of reinvesting back into our leagues to give players outside of the Digicel Cup competition a chance to represent their region and compete in a National Championships also funded by the PNGRFL. Team Kumul Selectors and coaches will also be at the National Championships to look at the talent available outside of the Digicel Cup competition.â€
