The excitement of the JT Super 9’s rugby tournament is off the hook with players, fans and supporters all geared to support their teams whether they lose or win in the matches today.
Tournament Manager Mr. Moses Kumbi told PNG HAUSBUNG that for this weekend, the men’s Under 20 (U20) division are playing their round robin matches while the Senior Men’s Division will kick off their round robin matches next weekend.
He said, they have a total of 147 teams taking part in this year’s tournament with 19 women’s team, 60 teams in the U20s Division & 68 Senior Men’s teams.
He said, unlike previous years, for this year they have an increase of teams due to the prize money up for grabs which is a total of K50, 000 to commemorate the countries’ 50th Independence celebrations.
Kumbi said, they have not only attracted the interest of teams from the nation’s capital but also from the Central province villages.
“We have 16 affiliate teams from the Moresby South competition, with teams from the Moresby Northeast and Northwest areas and teams from the Motu Koita area, Rigo and Aroma as well.”
Meanwhile, the women’s division played their last round robin matches on Friday and are waiting for the U20’s and Senior Men’s divisions to complete their round robin matches before they enter the finals phase.
He said, so far, the competition has seen a good turnout of team participation, and the interest of rugby league played at Kone is just as exciting as it was when they launched the tournament. He further stated that they are anticipating ending the competition on a high note.