Koroba launches Hela’s first PNGRFL affiliated rugby league

Koroba Lake Kopiago MP William Bando has urged local youths to “love yourself” as he launched the district’s first-ever rugby league affiliated with the PNG Rugby Football League [PNGRFL].

Speaking at Koroba Station on the weekend, MP Bando said self-care must come before sport.

“If you love yourself, you will eat the right food, get enough sleep, and wear clean clothes. Take care of your body,” he said.

The Koroba Rugby League is now the only league in Hela Province officially affiliated with the PNGRFL.

Before announcing K50,000 in District Development Authority [DDA] support for the competition, MP Bando said the initiative came from the youths themselves, not from the government.

“League is not what the DDA desired for. It was the youths who wanted it, so the DDA will support it,” he said.

He stressed that physical fitness and discipline must go hand in hand with faith and community values.

“My main concern is that youths look after themselves and stay physically fit to play. More importantly, sport must align with church activities to complete the cycle of community participation,” he said.

He reminded teams that Koroba Township is the central point for all LLGs to access government services and said sporting events must be free of violence.

“During sporting events, there should be no offensive weapons such as bush knives brought into town,” he said.

MP Bando acknowledged the role of Alex Haija in driving the initiative and thanked PNGRFL Upper Highlands Development Officer Jack Kereme, Participation Officer James Kundi, and Hela Sports Manager Obert Hondale for supporting referee and coach clinics and distributing PNGRFL kits.

The inaugural season will feature six men's teams and four women's teams.

Mr Haija urged players to uphold true sportsmanship.

“Sport is a tool that unites people. Show respect on and off the field,” he said.

He said PNGRFL affiliation was a long held dream for local youths.

“It’s now up to you. If you respect this initiative, the league will continue and grow. If you destroy it through negative actions, it will end here,” Mr Haija said.