World Rugby League Cup Trophy goes to Bulolo Wau

The Rugby League World Cup Trophy toured Bulolo and Wau on Tuesday as the people turned up in style to welcome the trophy.
The RLWC Trophy is on its 30 day tour of the countrywith the Bulolo-Wau leg sponsored by Harmony Gold.The trophy was first taken around Bulolo Town as people lined the streets for a glimpse before it made a brief stop at the PNG Forest Products head office.

The Trophy was then taken to Harmony Gold’s Hidden Valley mine where company staff took photos and met with the tour team made up of Oil Search staff, PNG National Rugby League, and media.
Hidden Valley General Manager, Gary Davies, said it was an historic occasion for the World Cup trophy to visit the mine staff and the people of Bulolo District. “We know how much Papua New Guinea loves rugby league and so Harmony Gold has sponsored the Bulolo-Wau leg of the journey,” Mr Davies said.
Two former PNG Kumuls players who work at the Hidden Valley mine, Robert Sio and Ati Lomutopa, were present and acknowledged for their contribution to the game.
The Trophy was then taken to Wau Rugby League Oval for the main ceremony, where traditional dancers, students and the Wau people welcomed the team. Lead organiser Sampson Bonai thanked Harmony Gold for sponsoring the trip and Oil Search for being the major sponsor.
Touring Manager and Oil Search General ManagerStakeholder Engagement,Leon Buskins, said Oil Search was proud to sponsor the trophy tour around PNG. “The first day of the tour, we brought it here because this is where the first rugby league game was played in the 1930s. Right here on this rugby field,” Mr Buskens said.

Former Kumuls players in Bulolo and Wau were presented to the people and acknowledged for their continued work behind the scenes to strengthen and grow rugby league in the region.
After the formalities, the trophy was taken back to Lae to continue its journey into the Highlands region.