Nelson Lawyers invests K10,000 in rugby league in Rigo as Saroa eyes elite pathways

Prominent legal professional Nelson Saroa has committed a total of K10,000 towards rugby league nines competitions in the Rigo District as he looks to strengthen the pathway for local talent to reach the elite level.

The sponsorship, facilitated through his firm Nelson Lawyers, includes K5,000 for Sinaugoro nines competition prizes at Gomore Village in Rigo Central, and a further K5,000 for the NS Gabone 9s tournament on the Rigo Coast next month.

Saroa, a long-time supporter of provincial sports including AFL, volleyball, and netball, said the investment in rugby league comes at a critical time for the code in Papua New Guinea.

"Through our law firm, we have been heavily involved in supporting community-level sports," Saroa said.
"Rugby league is no exception, except this time, we have a huge incentive and a huge pathway in sight. With the PNG Chiefs coming on board and several of our players being marketed to overseas clubs, it is now incumbent on leaders in communities to take that opportunity."

Saroa said creating a conducive environment at the village level is essential for uncovering the next generation of stars.

He spoke of the success of current national figures such as Morea Morea, Finley Glare, Gairo Voro, and Edwin Ipape [amongst others] as the standard for young Rigo athletes to aspire to.

"I want to one day remind myself that I had a hand in contributing to the future of rugby league," he said. "This is what rugby league 9s and the season competitions are contributing to, building stars for tomorrow."

The legal principal also extended his gratitude to other community leaders and businesses supporting grassroots sports, acknowledging their role in nation-building through discipline and athletic excellence.