Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province:
Director of the PNG National Sports Institute in Goroka Ms. Janet Gimots has praised the successful staging of the SP PNG Hunters and Ipswich Jets trial match on Sunday, 22 February.
Former NRL Manly Warringah Sea Eagles star Moses Mbye taking a selfie with his fans at PNG NSI after the trial match.
Ipswich Jets skipper Blake Lenehen donning a locally made floral wreath passed to him by a fan
“Our venue had a capacity of 5000. There were still more fans who couldn’t get in because we had already reached full capacity even before the match started. “We also had comments from various people from the Hunters Management who were very appreciative of how we managed the event.” Gimots said.
She said preparations for the event began a few weeks ahead and staff were on their toes over the past few days to help deliver the event as professionally as we could.
“We have hosted a few international and regional events in our recent and past history and yesterday, we showed again that our venue has the capacity to host more events,” Gimots said.
The Director said the success of the Hunters–Jets trial match strengthens NSI’s case for hosting more regional and international sporting events.
“We have shown that Goroka is not only capable but also eager to welcome elite teams,” she said. “This event opens the door for deeper partnerships with national federations, international clubs, and development programs across the Pacific.”
Ms. Gimots extended her appreciation to the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis Management, EHP Governor’s Office, K92 Mining, SP Brewery, SP PNG Hunters, Security partners (Police, Correctional Services, Defence Force and Black Swan) and the people of Goroka for contributing to a safe and memorable event.
Local boy & PNG NRL Bid Goroka talent Hercules Kondo made his debut for the SP PNG Hunters during the trial match against the Ipswich Jets
PNG Hunters electric fullback Sani Wabo posing for a photo with his fans at PNG NSI.
She thanked the EHP Governor Hon. Simon Sia for facilitating and funding the upgrade of the venue which enables such major events to be hosted and enjoyed by everyone in the Highlands region.
“The event would not have been a success without the major stakeholders. The energy from the crowd was incredible. Our people showed that they are ready to embrace more events of this scale.
“It also was very exciting to see Jets players mingling with the locals,”
“This match united our communities and reminded us of the important role sport plays in strengthening provincial & national identity.”
“Everyone played their part. The success of this match belongs to all of us,” she said. “We look forward to building on this momentum and welcoming more major events to NSI.”