17 May 2013

Sport: PNG govt gives funds for PMs 13 rugby league match

10:56 am on 17 May 2013

The Papua New Guinea Government has given the country's Rugby League Federation a cheque for 100-thousand US dollars for upgrades to Kalabond Stadium ahead of the annual match between the Kumuls and the Prime Minister's XIII in Kokopo later this year.

The investment matches dollar for dollar the contribution also made by East New Britain Governor Ereman Tobaining towards the September 29 fixture.

PNGRFL Chairman Don Fox says the funds will go straight towards increasing the ground capacity to over 5,000 people so as many supporters as possible can be at the match.

It's the first time the annual fixture has been played outside of Port Moresby and the Minister for Sport, Justin Tkatchenko, says it's fitting as the New Guinea Islands have the best rugby league program in the country and Kalabond Stadium is one of the best playing venues.