Gelegele Resettlement Sports Oval in the Rabual District was the venue of the initiation of the National Rugby League PNG’s Mini & Modified Games in East New Britain Province recently. NRL PNG National Program Coordinator Martin Ingirin Jnr was on hand to launch this program and he explained that the mini mod concept uses modified rugby league rules and targets kids in the ages of 7 to 12 years old. A total of 120 kids in the age categories of 10, 8 and 6 were present at the launch and to trial out the program. “The mini mod encourages primary and elementary school kids to develop better conducts while using rugby league as the main drive.” “The game is played in Morobe province as well as in Port Moresby." "We are now reaching out to other centers and this is the first for the NGI region,” he said. The children took part in basic training drills before taking the field in teams of six players. “The program has drawn interest among younger kids in the country to take up rugby league.” PNGRFL NGI program coordinator Solomon Darius said the mini mod is in its trial phases and there will also be clinics for coaches and managers. He added that the program will enhance to achieve the goals of the PNG RFL junior development division. “The idea is great in bringing the whole community together, the parents, siblings, teachers and volunteers to collaborate and develop rugby league in the country,” he said. Full trials of the mini mod are scheduled for early January with more kids are expected to attend.