Ipatas Cup challenges on

The Ipatas Cup Simbu and Eastern Highlands Challenge are now set for February 28 to March 2 at the Lae Rugby League ground.
Ipatas Cup CEO Timothy Lepa said both challenges were deferred due to teams not complying with the full requirements.
The Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd sponsored event has been moved from their respective locations in Simbu and Goroka due to spectator violence to a neutral zone in Lae city where crowd control is better.
Lepa said the CCIC Board has also appointed two new coordinators for Simbu, Nickson Diunde and Eastern Highlands’ Michael Gomia to take charge of the event. 
The coordinators confirmed that the following teams have met  all requirements and they are ready to participate in the Simbu and Eastern Highlands Challenges respectively.
In the EHD Challenge GDH Brumbies, Emo Brothers, Noweks Royals and Unitech Spartans from Lae who missed out on the Northern leg were included by the CCIC management.
For the Simbu challenge, Zicks Brothers, Sine Yongo Brothers, Kunaba Stones, TNA Angras, Jaka Elimbare Miners and Suai United are taking part.  
Meanwhile, the CCIC Western Highlands Challenge will be staged this weekend at the Rebiamul Oval in Mount Hagen.
In pool A are Kum Tigers, City Settlers, Haco Spiders and Kui Raiders. Pool B Dei Kuris, Mul Norths, Togoba Magani and Baiyer Roosters.
The two winners in each pool qualify for the finals and will a win Gold Pass to Lae in late March.