Rugby league cup launched
The inaugural Air Niugini Kokoda Cup was launched at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby during a recent rugby league match between the SP PNG Hunters and the Townsville Blackhawks.
Six Air Niugini cabin crew in full uniform carried the cup on to the field and handed it to the team captains during a colourful ceremony.
The teams will play for the cup each year and first honours went to the Hunters, who romped home 42– 4 in the round 12 Queensland Intrust Cup match.
Air Niugini acting chief executive officer, Marco McConnell, said the cup recognises the airline’s recently launched Port Moresby to Townsville direct service. It also commemorates the 75th anniversary of Kokoda, an important event in the history of Papau New Guinea and Australia.
“As an airline, Air Niugini appreciates and commemorates the importance of Kokoda, its significance and what it means to both PNG and Australia. This cup is also in appreciation of the recently launched service between Port Moresby and Townsville.”
He said the cup will be given a different name each year to commemorate important events in PNG.
Air Niugini’s general manager customers and markets, Dominic Kaumu, said the cup strengthens the sister-city relationship between Port Moresby and Townsville. It also promotes sports tourism between the cities.
He encouraged Papua New Guineans living in and around Townsville, supporters of the Blackhawks as well the business and corporate community, to make use of the event.
“Those in Port Moresby can also fly to Townsville to watch SP PNG Hunters play, visit families and friends, do business and
The cup promotes sports tourism between Port Moresby and Townsville.
return. And those in Townsville can come up here to do business and watch the game in our newest sports facilities.”
Air Niugini operates two direct services from Port Moresby to Townsville each week, every Monday and Friday.
PNGRFL chief executive officer, Reatau Rau, thanked Air Niugini for its continuous support of the SP PNG Hunters as well as rugby league throughout the country with discounted airfares. ■