The Wantok Sports Agency (WSA) creates an international pathway for Rugby League athletes in Papua New Guinea (PNG) into the French Rugby Leagues.
The WSA based in Lae bring local Rugby League players to the reachable for Local PNG Players in local Rugby League Tournaments and national tournaments.
The WSA founder, former SP Hunters and Villeneuve Leopards Nickson Borana told PNG HAUSBUNG the successful recipients and the requirements to be eligible for application.
“In 2021 we brought Silas Gahuna over to France to play with the Saint Gaudens rugby club.”
“Then followed by Casey Dickson, signed by Villeneuve Leopards rugby club last year.”
“This year we have successfully negotiated with the Salon Rugby club a.k.a “The Jaguars,” to secure Muka Peter’s 1 year contract.”
“Since there are no official eligibility rules in the French league, a player from Digicel Cup or even lower grades can be selected to play in the French rugby league competitions.”
“But for our agency we recommend players who are currently playing in the Digicel Cup or Queensland Cup to register with our agency.”
“Although there isn’t any eligibility rule or requirement in the French league, clubs in France still want to recruit quality players that have represented their country or even played in the NRL.”
Mr. Borana emphasized that they are interested in aiding men and women to pursue their dream of playing overseas, however, not one female has reached out to the agency to apply for recruitment but hopes to encounter their application soon.
Recruitments are currently focused on PNG players only before moving to other countries.
Furthermore, Nickson stressed that apart from the current services provided, in the future, plans will be in motion to secure for the successful recipients, and clients.
Their employment will be with his new gym called “Pro Fitness Gym,” currently in construction in Lae, Igam Barracks. hopefully to employ some of the members of the agency.
“During off season they can work and even use the facility to prepare themselves for next season.”
Nickson concluded with encouragement and the primary purpose of the agency.
“The main reason was the lack of sports agency or even people that know how to connect local players to potential clubs overseas.”
“I believe if we have a lot of sports agencies in PNG, maybe more of our elite athletes will be able to find good sports/work contracts overseas or even locally.”
“The WSA has great potential as it our primary objective to help find overseas opportunities for both male and female sports athletes.”
“We could do more such as sending players overseas to participate in summer competitions or even train with local teams in Australia, France, and England.”
“But unfortunately, with lack of financial resources we cannot do what we envision.”
“I hope in the future when we have the support from business houses or from the PNG Government, we can provide the pathway that most local athletes seek.”
“Live in the present and do what you can and if things go your way, great! But if not, it’s okay. Try again tomorrow.”
This year’s successful recipient and West New Britain Kimbe Cutters Muka Peter during his interview with PNG HAUSBUNG also encouraged local players to engage WSA if candidates are willing to leave PNG and pursue a career in the French Rugby League.
The WSA can be reached on its Facebook page for more inquiries.