The Successful hosting of Intrust Super Cup Match shows Lae's potential

The historic Super-Intrust Cup match between the PNG Hunters and the Northern Devils at the Lae Rugby League ground was a massive achievement for the sport and also the industrial city of Lae and Morobe province.

This is the view from Australian Consul-General, Paul Murphy, who was impressed with the huge attraction and support, which saw hundreds of people, who traveled down from the Highlands Highway and also from Madang and other neighboring provinces, resulting in a population spike over the weekend in the city - but with no major security concerns.

The PNG Hunters beat the visiting North Devils, 32-10, in front of packed LRL ground before a sellout crowd of more than 6,000 enthusiastic fans on Sunday.

Prior to the game day, there were scenes of convoys of vehicle especially from the highlands provinces, especially from Enga province, as the Enga Mioks as the Digicel Cup competition leader were playing in the curtain raiser match for the Hunters and Devils affair.

PNG Hunters and PNG Kumuls Coach Michael Marum was also impressed saying it is up to the organisers to tap into the potential Lae has to offer.

Lae Rugby League president Fabian Chow were impressed with the first ever Super-Intrust Cup match being played outside of the nation’s capital of Port Moresby.

For Lae based Australian Consul-General Paul Murphy, Lae rugby league community has matured over the few years.

Mr Murphy said also pointed out the passion security, especially when the Lae police stepped up in managing the crowd with other stakeholders like members of the PNG Defence Force Engineer Battalion and private security firms who were engaged.

Mr Murphy said the two matches were individually sell-out matches themselves as bringing in groups of supporters travelling down the Highlands Highway in convoys of vehicles over the weekend.

He however was disappointed with the final score but said as a Lae resident, it was good to see the host winning on their way towards the finals in a couple of months time.

NBC News/ Photo: (Picture courtesy of Australian High Commission Papua New Guinea)