Date:3/10/13
The PNGRFL will host the touring Queensland Murri U16 squad when they arrivein Port Moresby this weekend. The Squad who arrive today (Thursday) will be in PNG until Monday 7th October and will play two matches while in country. The tour is the brainchild of Arthur Beetson Foundation organiser Troy Byers and former Queensland and Australian representative Tony Currie.
The Queensland Murri side is selected from the best indigenous youth from across the state, with the tour to be used as a final selection trial before the team takes on their NSW counterparts in a curtain raiser to the annual ALL Star Indigenous clash in 2014.
Acting PNGRFL CEO Brad Tassell said when contacted the PNGRFL were more than happy to assist with organising matches for the tour; “We have built up some strong relationships in Australia. This is the second year of the tour and it’s a great chance for PNG players in the National Schoolboys Program to test themselves against good quality international competition. It is also a great opportunity for both cultures to get to know each other and for the visiting indigenous boys to experience Rugby League PNG style.”
The Queensland Murri side will play two games in PNG. The first against a POMIS School select team on Friday afternoon (TBC) at POMIS and the second against the PNGRFL U17 Southern Zone Representative team at Lloyd Robson Oval this Sunday at 2pm. The Sunday game will be a curtain raiser to the PRL Finals. Tour organiser Troy Byers said the players and officials were all looking forward to the visit;
“This is as much a cultural experience for the boys and officials and we want to open their eyes to the conditions and what the PNG people experience every day of their lives. I think its what makes the youth so tough when it comes to Rugby League – they have to fight for everything every day of their lives. I think what the PNGRFL have done and are doing to restructure the game in PNG in such a short time is nothing short of miraculous.
I know how passionate and dedicated they are and we are keen to assist by bringing this tour to PNG and strengthening the rugby league bond that exists between the two (2) Nations.”
“We encourage Rugby league fans to get to Lloyd Robson this Sunday to see some of the best young kids from Australia and PNG in action. It should be an entertaining game of Rugby League.”
FULL TOUR SCHEDULE:
Thursday 3rd October @ 1.45pm Arrive Port Moresby 1.30pm
Friday 4th October @ TBC Queensland Murri U16 vs. POMIS Schoolboys
Saturday 5th October Visit Bomana War Cemetery
Saturday 5th October Training at TBC
Sunday 6th October @ 2pm Queensland Murri U16 vs. PNGRFL Southern
Zone U17 Representative team @ Lloyd Robson
Oval.
Monday 7th October Depart Port Moresby.
