Over 700 students participated in the Prime Minister’s XIII Community Clinic Program (CCP) hosted by the National Rugby League Papua New Guinea (NRLPNG) at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby today.
According to PNGNRL Evaluation and Monitory Officer Mr. Emmanuel Tali, 40 students each from 19 selected schools, which is a total of 760 students, participated in the program this morning in the 2024 school’s Mini Mode Rugby League Competition for students aged between 6-12 years of age, which ran as part of the CCP.
The annual PM’s XIII CCP through the PNGNRL is aimed at promoting education through rugby, teaching and learning the basics of rugby through primary dynamics, exercise and skillful drills to educate students to be focused, discipline and to respect one another no matter the learning environment.
All participating students were joined by the Australian Women’s squad, including PNG men’s squad and the Australia school girls and boys, sharing tips and tricks to the curious young students who cherished the moments with praise and love.
The CCP commenced seven coned activities from basic running dynamics to ball possession and security. Exercising stepping, passing, agility and teamwork within the selective groups.
Although last year’s CCP saw roughly 200 students, today’s event saw a massive increase in the number of students willing to partake from NCD, Central and Motu- Koitabu.
Acknowledging PNG’s bid to implement a PNG Rugby franchise in the Australian NRL, Mr. Tali encouraged parents to bring forth their children to school and join the Mini Mode School Rugby League Competition to raise their chances to have an opportunity to NRL once PNG’s bid is affirmed.
He further emphasized that the Mini Mode School Competition acts as a fun-day platform for the students to exercise discipline and respect through friendly rugby games. Rugby can be leveraged by the parents to aid in teaching children virtue at home to be sensible and respectful on and off the field, likewise in or outside homes. The Australian and PNG sides were pleased to work closely with the young students.
The event saw PM’s XIII PNG Captain Judah Rimbu, Morea Morea, Murray Connors and Australia’s Luke Brooks, Lachlan Galvin, Alofiana Khan-Pereira and many more who gladly supported the young students with their presence, encouragements and smiles.