Talks begin on U19 curtain raiser for DEM Cup
PLANS are under way to stage an Under-19 curtain raiser match between East Sepik and National Capital District during a Digicel ExxonMobil Cup fixture later this year, it was revealed yesterday.
Local rugby league officials see this initiative as part of the push to create bigger opportunities for young talents from the Greater Sepik region.
The proposal was one of the major outcomes from a meeting held yesterday in Port Moresby between Agmark East Sepik School Rugby League competition manager Bradley Simon, provincial rugby league board marketing manager Jason Handikiang and PNG Rugby Football League officials led by pathways and performance manager Tony Archer.
Simon explained that the meeting was aimed at creating pathways for young players from the Greater Sepik to show their talents on a bigger stage and strengthen development opportunities in the region.
“If approved and sanctioned by the PNGNRLC and PNGRFL, Under-19 select sides from East Sepik and NCD will raise curtains for a DEM Cup match later this year; in what could become a major exposure opportunity for our rising players,” Simon said.
“We believe the match would allow school and junior players to experience a higher level of competition while gaining visibility among selectors and rugby league stakeholders.”
Another important topic discussed was the long-term vision for Sepik Pride.
The possibility of introducing a Sepik Pride Under-19 side in the National Youth Competition (NYC) from next year was explored as a starting point before any future plans for a senior team are considered.
The move is seen as a development-first approach aimed at building a stronger player base and creating a clearer pathway from school rugby league into elite competition.
