New rugby league pathway launched for Sinaugoro

Team captains along with tournament officials during the launch at Gomore rugby league oval (Image: Supplied)

A major step towards professional rugby league development has been taken in Rigo District with the launch of the inaugural Sinaugoro Nines Tournament.

The tournament, which kicked off over the weekend at Gomore village in Rigo, is the official establishment of the Sinaugoro Rugby League, a tribal-based association representing the core villages of Gomore, Kwalimurubu, Saroa, Girobada, Kemae and Babaga.

Tournament Director Simoi Mareva said the new league provides a much-needed pathway for local talent to align with the PNG Rugby Football League [PNGRFL] standards.

"This is a pathway that will lead to the elite space," Mareva said. "We are starting from scratch to align ourselves with PNGRFL through proper compliance and technical advice".

The inaugural event initiated by founder Indy Verena has attracted 16 teams. While 13 teams hail from within the Sinaugoro tribe, three guest teams in Hula Parelas, Kundo Mix Dogs, and Kwikila Varovaronas, have joined the competition.

Tournament officials said the inclusion of Gloemca Tailoring Storms, a team from Babaga managed by a female team manager, is part of an initiative to involve more women in sports management.

Tournament founder Indy Verena (right) with team captains prior to the launch (Image: Supplied)

Hosting Ward Member, Jackson Godua, thanked the executives for choosing Gomore to host the historic event, confirming the community's full support in preparing the facilities.

The tournament is supported by major sponsor Nelson Saroa of Nelson Lawyers, who has committed K5,000 in prize money.

The Cup winner will take home K2,000, while the runner-up receives K1,000. Prizes are also allocated for Plate and Bowl winners to ensure wide participation.

Mareva said the league aims to tackle social challenges, expressing hope that by engaging youths in structured sport, they can steer them away from social ills such as "boombox" [home-brew] consumption.

The Sinaugoro Nines concludes this weekend, serving as a "wake-up call" before the league transitions into its full season proper in May, which will include Under-20, Senior, and Women’s divisions.