Air Niugini hosts second annual Kokoda Cup
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Air Niugini has hosted the second annual Air Niugini Kokoda Cup rugby league match at Port Moresby’s National Football Stadium, played between Queensland Intrust Super Cup teams the SP PNG Hunters and Townsville Blackhawks.
Former Kumuls player and Air Niugini staff member, Richard Wagambie, accompanied by airline cabin crew, carried the cup onto the field.
Wagambie played with Paga Panthers, Tarangau and the Carpentras rugby league club in France, as well as eight Test matches with the Kumuls. The Tests included tours to New Zealand, England, France and Australia. Wagambie’s involvement in rugby league spans 35 years as a player, administrator and coach.
Officiating at a brief ceremony before the game, Air Niugini’s deputy chairman, Andrew Nui, said the Kokoda Cup honours the battle of Kokoda, as well as marks the second anniversary of Air Niugini’s direct flights between Port Moresby and Townsville, home base for the Townsville Blackhawks.
PNGRFL chairman, Sandis Tsaka, thanked Air Niugini for its support of the SP PNG Hunters, as well as rugby league in general.
The Hunters retained the cup after defeating Townsville Blackhawks, 12– 8. ■