PNG eager to regain force in Pacific Islands with the introduction of elite competition

Netball PNG is on the path to regaining Papua New Guinea's status in the region with the sports body looking to introduce an elite competition in the country.

With the recent success of the National Championship, claimed by Port Moresby Netball Association, Netball PNG is thriving to elevate the standard of the competition by establishing a Super League comp.

NPNG board member Lawrence Lahari said it was important to reflect on the path ahead for netball in PNG to thrive and improve results on the international stage, and one way to achieve that was through the proposed elitr competition.

"We cannot continue doing things the same way and expect different results," Lahari said.

"The question we must all ask ourselves is: How can we better our players? How can we become a force in the Pacific once again?

"One way forward is through consistent competition.

"The introduction of the Super League will be high on the agenda for the Netball PNG Board.

"This new competition aims to raise the level of play and provide more regular, high-quality matches that will help develop our athletes.

"But the responsibility doesn’t lie solely with the national board. The onus is on you, the associations, to produce high-quality players.

"It’s time for all of us to raise our standards and work together to lift netball in this country."

The week-long championships which ended on Friday in Port Moresby saw over 500 players competing from across 11 associations.

Laharis said those players selected for the national squad, Pepes, will have the opportunity to represent PNG in the upcoming invitational series in November, where the PNG Pepes will host the Brisbane Wildcats in a thrilling 3-game series.

This will be a key opportunity for the top players to show what they are capable of on an international stage.

Lahari challenged the players to lift the code and enhance their performance as the country embarks on a path to regaining its status.

"The talent is here, the passion is here, and the potential is limitless. Together, we can take PNG netball to new heights." he concluded.