By Jaylee Sapias – EM TV Sport, Port Moresby
Following the PNG Hunters loss to the Penrith Panthers during their first trial match at the National Football Stadium two weeks ago, the game itself was a major success.
The 15,000-plus crowd had the chance to witness their national home team play against current NRL players at the newly refurbished facilities.
Although playing for the Panthers, the Albert brothers of Wellington and Stanton remained in PNG to assist NRL PNG with the League Bilong Laif (LBL) Program after their teammates departed.
Both volunteered to speak at schools about the importance of respect, and gaining an education.
The brothers visited St Peter’s Primary School and St Therese Primary School where they assisted with the LBL training course, and Carit’s Girls Secondary School where they met with Australia’s Ambassador for Women and Girls, Natasha Stott Despoja.
While here the Albert brothers also presented a prize to the overall winner, a Grade Eight student, of the LBL drawing and writing competition.
The winner, Lucas Teno, was delighted at the chance to meet the brothers and thanked them for having his entry picked.
From the trial match between the two teams, a strong bond between the people of PNG and their favourite game, rugby league, was reaffirmed.
