UNIVERSITY Youngsters rugby league club are excited to finish the season on a high. They recently received recognition from the University of Papua New Guinea.

The club consists of A and B grade teams. It received prompt support for new kits (rugby jerseys). These jerseys will be used to compete in the 2024-25 Gerehu Rugby League ‘off-season’ competition.

They also compete in the North-West Rugby League competition at the Kone-Tigers Oval at Waigani.

UPNG Registrar Roboam Kakap said, “It took us time to respond to the club’s request for new team jerseys. Nonetheless, we finally did. It was all through their hard work.”

Kakap said despite using UPNG’s funds to sponsor the jerseys, it was the young club’s commitment to make it happen.

“They earned it through their hard work by helping us clean around the campus before the Academic year commences.”

“Instead of paying for their labor, we devised another solution. We decided to buy their rugby kits. This also supported their participation in the GRL competition,” he added.

The club was established in 2022. Late Joel Kila founded it with the majority of young talents from Fort Banner (UPNG Campus-Residence).

It has been encouraging young men to compete in the competition. This helps them build and excel in their rugby career. The team has also competed in the North-West Rugby League competition in Port Moresby.

Meanwhile, Team Manager Anthony Korwa said this gesture is prompt. It will boost the young team in their local competition.

“We are grateful to the UPNG Registrar and his team. They supported us with two sets of Jersey kits. These kits will be worn during our game time.”

“Since our inclusion in the two competitions, we never had proper rugby uniforms. We had to send out letters to seek sponsorship, especially to UPNG.”

“This support will now boost our young team. They will give their best and wear with pride to represent UPNG in our competitions,” Korwa said.

The Youngsters are now prepared to compete in the rest of the GRL off season. They will participate before the NW Rugby League competition kicks off at Kone Oval later this year.