AN RLEF FOR THE PACIFIC?

[sportsmad]

This could turn out to be a massive step forward

Pacific Islands rugby league body formed
Tuesday, 08 December 2009

IN an historic move last Friday, the Pacific Rim nations united to form the Pacific Islands Rugby League Federation (PIRLF), an affiliate of the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF).

The PIRLF is a partnership between Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Samoa, Fiji and the Cook Islands.

To date these passionate rugby league-playing nations had acted in isolation of each other in the development of rugby league.

That has now changed.

Through the collaboration of PIRLF, the Pacific nations have strengthened their position.

They would now speak with one voice in the interest of rugby league and will use the game as a tool for social change.

PIRLF will advance development and create opportunities in rugby league for youth in the region and internationally.

PIRLF will focus on U16s and U18s and facilitate educational opportunities including coaching, refereeing and development of administrative and officiating skills.

It is also committed to promoting healthy living of youth in the Pacific Rim region and will be involved in talent identification programmes to provide opportunities to youth to play at elite levels.

PNG Sports Minister and chairman of the PNG NRL Bid Committee Philemon Embel has been appointed chairman of the PIRLF and will represent the interests of PNG during the transition phase of the PNGRFL board.

Embel said he fully supported the newly appointed PNGRFL board and said: “PNGRFL needs a new face. The new board must be given an opportunity to take over rugby league for the future.

Embel said: “The formation of PIRLF is an historic occasion and I am looking forward to working with my Pacific brothers to drive social change in the region through rugby league.

“In PNG, we are actively progressing the development of infrastructure for the benefit of rugby league.”

The directors of PIRLF said the body would bring the people of the Pacific together with “one voice and one heart providing a structured path for Pacific Rim youth”.

[johnathon]

The PIRLF should really learn from what has worked for the RLEF and try to emulate that. I would love to see the Pacific Cup or old Pacific Rim championship become an annual competition. Rotate between the islands every year. The locals would surely embrace the brand of football the islanders play. And a yearly competition is another incentive for players to represent Tonga or Samoa instead of New Zealand.

[sportsmad]

agree jonathon. a bloke like kevin rudd doesnt come along everyday though. does anyone know anything about Philemon Embel? If this starts to have significant sway on the running of the game in the Pacific then Japan need to start thinking about applying for a spot on the board or however they do it.
the next step is a regional council for the atlantic. druzik ur wish si slowly playing out.

[Druzik]

Dec 8, 2009 16:02:58 GMT 10 sportsmad said:

agree jonathon. a bloke like kevin rudd doesnt come along everyday though. does anyone know anything about Philemon Embel? If this starts to have significant sway on the running of the game in the Pacific then Japan need to start thinking about applying for a spot on the board or however they do it.
the next step is a regional council for the atlantic. druzik ur wish si slowly playing out.

Yes... I remember talking with some of the Fijians and Samoans about this and thought it was a great idea... maybe they actually took it on board.

Ultimately tyou do want Australia and NZ in there to help financially.