Haiveta keen on recruiting only Gulf-based players

Gulf Governor Chris Haiveta has supported the new franchise policy of recruiting players from the province in 2026. This was welcomed by Haiveta Kikori MP Soroi Eoe including Gulf Provincial Executive Council during PEC meeting in Lese-Oalai village recently. The Gulf Provincial Administrator Clement Tare was present at PEC meeting.

Under the new recruitment policy 70 per cent of players come from the province while 30 percent from outside. This is the main reason, why Haiveta as the patron is backing rugby league in the province as well as other sports as a tool for human resources development. Gulf Provincial Rugby League board chairman Jacob Ivaroa added that in order to achieve the policy the local leagues are to lift up their level and competition this year.



And moving forward to 2026 to be competitive in the semi pro Digicel ExxonMobil Cup competition. “This policy will greatly benefit our home grown raw talents to be identified and serious about playing at another level” “Great opportunity and prospects should be prepared and ready for the big challenge and stage in the future. “As the governing body for rugby league in the province we are serious about delivering this concept to identify our potential talents from respective competitions.

” Ivaroa said Pom Gulf West, Kerema, Siouposa, Tei Kariko, Mailovera, Toaripi Kikori and West Ihu will be feeders to our provincial franchise Gulf Isou. He said there is also interest from Baimuru and East Ihu to establish local leagues. Ihu LLG president Charles Maiu and Mr Eoe have supported this.

Maiu is serious and vocal about East Ihu league and is supportive to assist Gulf Provincial Rugby League board chairman Jacob Ivaroa and Gideon Kouoru representing West Kerema. He assured Kouoru to develop, promote and deliver to West Kerema. Kouoru a former PNG Kumul is from Koilaho village, Ihu, West Kerema home grown before national representative duties.

His two brothers Gideon and Late Joshua donned the national colours and all played for former glamour club Kouri in Kerema Rugby League competition. They eventually witched to Pom and linked up with Hobar West. Another great Henry Miro is responsible for Kerema East which covers Kerema, Siouposa, Tei Kariko, Mailovera and Toaripi.

Miro has bigger tasks to ensure that these leagues are properly managed and run without fear or favour..