Friday, March 15, 2013
By BEN HARRIS
There is plenty of flair and smiles when you watch Papua New Guinea play at the 2013 X-Blades National Touch League at Coffs Harbour.
This is the first time PNG have played at the NTLs and they are playing in the mixed opens division.
Touch football has been played there for nearly two decades.
PNG junior vice-president John Aidaboe said there was one reason for playing at Coffs Harbour.
“Developing our players,” Aidaboe said.
“So win or lose we will take something away to develop our team.
“We are planning to come here next year again and this time we will do a bit better and be better prepared because we will know what to expect.
“At the end of the day, we want to learn as much as possible.”
Touch is slowly building a strong reputation in the rugby league-loving country. It is mainly played in towns.
“The important thing about touch, like it is in Australia, it’s a family sport. It’s not like a professional [sport], it’s more of a family game.”
“We are hoping to have an opens team at the World Cup.
“It [the NTLs] is not the only tournament we will develop the players. There is Malaysia coming up, there is the Oceania games coming up, which is part of the build-up to the World Cup.”
You can keep up-to-date with all of the latest news and information from the 2013 X-Blades National Touch League in the following ways:
Websites
Social Media
Facebook – www.facebook.com/touchfootballaustralia
Twitter – www.twitter.com/touchfootyaus (be sure to use the hashtag #NTL2013)
Instagram – search for ‘Touch Football Australia’
YouTube - www.youtube.com/touchfootballaus
Touch Football Australia will be live streaming matches on their YouTube page.
- Links:
PNG touch
