20 Febraury 2014
SP PNG Hunters kicks historic goal in NRL's peak PNG Program
Working industry ‘mates’ is the next exciting step for the ‘Rugby League in Schools’ program.
Rugby League in Schools program, together with the SP PNG Hunters, will undergo the Australian NRL’s Level 1 Coaching course this Thursday and Friday at Bomana Police College, which will include the entire Hunters squad.
Up to 50,000 students from 80 schools will participate in the ‘Rugby League in Schools program, which is funded by the Australian Government and delivered by the Australian NRL, over the next three years. The program targets girls and boys of all abilities and uses a range of in classroom and on field rugby league and related activities to improve the quality of education. The program also focuses on teacher training and increasing the capacity of the PNGRFL to deliver school based rugby league programs.
The players will take time out from their busy schedule and preparations for the clubs opening game of the Intrust Super Cup Season to undertake the course said PNGRFL CEO Brad Tassell.
“The Coaching staff and management believe it is vital that our players show the way, set an example and provide leadership both on and off the field. We expect them to give back to Rugby League in PNG and this is a terrific way to do that.
We have a responsibility to our youth and to be properly accredited is important so the players can pass on their knowledge and skills to the younger generation.
We will ensure that the players are involved in the grassroots program such as ‘Rugby League in Schools’ where possible during the year.
Involvement in the Rugby League in Schools program is a long term goal for the SP PNG Hunters in growing the game of league in PNG. If players leave the Intrust Super Cup Program they will now have the proper accreditation to go onto junior or senior coaching in PNG. The more people we have at a Level 1 Coaching accreditation the better coached and prepared our PNG youth will be coming through the ranks.”
Through the PNGRFL Team Kumul program we will be rolling out accreditation programs with the assistance of the NRL to Digicel Cup Coaches and Trainers and to Leagues Coaches across the nation during the year. It is fundamental to our goal of being a top four nation to ensure PNG coaches are delivering the right coaching to the many talented youth across the country.
Mr Tassell added: “Getting the basic skills of the game right is best delivered at an early age and we thank the NRL for undertaking this initiative with the PNGRFL and the SP PNG Hunters players.”
The NRL’s In–Country General Manager Mr Mark Mom added: “This is a great opportunity for the players to lead by example and continue their development as role models in PNG.
Rugby League in Schools program teaches the importance of Education for a Papua New Guinean and the importance of Respect for all Papua New Guineans.
We look forward to working with the Hunters players to be part of the program and help us achieve the educational outcomes and deliver the key messages.
In footy, and in life, mates do better when they work together.”
The Rugby League in Schools program, funded by the Australian Government is delivered through a partnership between the Australian Sports Commission and the Australian NRL and the PNG National Department of Education. The PNG Rugby Football League and the University of PNG are key stakeholders and supporters of the program.