BREAKING NEWS
Rovers on look out for PNG diamonds
WITH their rich history of Papua New Guinea big-hitters, Hull KR have forged a unique deal to unearth more gems from the rugby leaguemad island.
Rovers, who host holders Leigh in tomorrow’s Challenge Cup quarterfinal, have linked with leading PNG outfit Port Moresby Vipers in a bid to capture some of the nation’s best young talent.
The exclusive partnership sees two Vipers juniors fly across the world to try to make it big with the Super League club.
And they will stay with John Okul, the former PNG centre who settled in Hull with his family after joining the Robins following the 1995 World Cup. Kumuls legends Stanley Gene and Makali Aizue also earned cult-hero status at Craven Park and KR are looking for the next potential star.
Rovers chief executive Paul Lakin said: “This is a very significant partnership that has been months in planning. Papua New Guinea is the only country in the world whose primary sport is rugby league.
“We’ll put the time and attention into this partnership to ensure we give it the best possible chance of success. It’s innovative and has huge potential.”
The chosen 16-year-olds will join the KR academy, play for the Under 18s and attempt to earn a first-team deal. They will stay for at least two years before the process starts again.
Port Moresby’s juniors will be classed as federation-trained players should they sign KR’s first-team deals and they will be enrolled on a comprehensive education programme.
Rovers chief operating officer Craig Franklin, head of academy Jason Netherton and Okul flew out to the Pacific island this week ahead of today’s official launch in its capital city.
Netherton added: “As a club, we have a great history with PNG rugby league and this will allow that affinity to continue for years to come.
“Players from PNG are traditionally very tough and uncompromising. I’m looking forward to helping develop their skillset, embedding them into our culture and hopefully seeing them become future Hull KR players.”
Power Parkop, the governor of Port Moresby and Vipers club patron, said: “Our development players will not only play rugby league but also further their education by schooling in the UK. It’s a life-changing opportunity.”