Saroa: grassroots is the engine room for rugby

Former national representative Nelson Saroa has urged Papua New Guinea’s sporting fraternity that without a concrete foundation at the community level, the nation’s professional aspirations including the PNG Chiefs' NRL entry, will lack the testimony of true homegrown success

Speaking from the sidelines of the Gabone 9s in Rigo, Saroa, a former AFL rep and veteran of over 10 years in community sports development in Central, said that the current debate surrounding the Chiefs project should not distract from the mechanical necessity of village-based pathway.

Saroa said he isn't talking about local pride only but looking at a logistical overhaul of the regional game to feed the professional competitions such as Digicel ExxonMobil Cup and SP PNG Hunters.

The prominent lawyer is currently hosting a weeklong tournament in Gabone, which has attracted 24 teams across Central to compete for K20,000 prize money.

"The total value for these community initiatives is projected between about K20,000. The price tag is worth it for elite player development," he said of the tournament. "Plans are underway to invite teams from Kavieng, Kokopo, and Kimbe to future tournaments to increase talent exposure."

Speaking during the tournament kickoff over the weekend, Saroa urged local footy players to set their aims and goals to pursue in rugby league.

Drawing on his experience representing PNG in Aussie Rules, Saroa said the jump to the pros is 90% mental.

"The more exposure we have at the community level… it will take us into the space of getting the mindsets right," Saroa said. "Once the mindsets are right, you're disciplined, you eat healthy, you take food, you eat food, you play food. That's what it's about in a sportsman's world".

He cited legends such as Marcus Bai and modern inspirations like Justin Olam as proof that the village level is the proven incubator for stars.

Despite the ongoing friction between the government and the opposition regarding the Chiefs' NRL entry into NRL, Saroa remained steadfast in his neutrality, viewing sport as a functional utility rather than a political tool.

"For me, I’m all about community level sports. It’s a pathway, so either you take it or you don’t," he said.

With the Chiefs initiative gaining momentum, Saroa urged both public and private sectors to chip in, ensuring that when the PNG Chiefs finally take the field, the roster is equally filled with players who were forged in the homegrown care of their respective communities.

Meanwhile, the NS Gabone 9s will continue its round games during the week before finals commence on Frirday.