by Shane Saroya – EM TV Sport, Port Moresby
The O’Neill Government will continue to support rugby league in Papua New Guinea. This message comes following the oppositions call to abandon the code.
Honourable Justin Tkatchenko, the minister for sports and National Events, has blasted the opposition leader saying that the constant stream of negative nonsense has now seen the opposition’seek to abandon national rugby league players.
“What Absolute rubbish from Don Polye calling for funding to be taken away from supporting rugby league, when a lack of funding is why from the Somare/Polye Government is the reason why the sport suffered?”
“When we came to Government rugby league, the administration in our country was in a dismal state.”
“We are rebuilding rugby league infrastructure in our country and we are investing in the junior leagues.”
“Our SP Hunters served our nations proud last season and our national team will continue to build on the last season.”
“While Polye questions if Papua New Guineans still love rugby league. I can assure you that it is. I know this because I talked to our people, particularly our grassroots people.”
The Minister’said the opposition’s desperate search for News headlines over looked facts.
“We are increasing investment in other sports including soccer, cricket, athletics, swimming and AFL and we are seeing results.”
