THE Hiri West Rugby League competition has reached the business end with the playoffs. In a tough semi-final on Saturday, the Roku Panthers were too strong for Darebo Mix Dogs of Lealea winning 8-4 at the Papa village oval. The Panthers from Roku village were led by example by their inspirational captain and lock Dika Dile, and were the first to score through right wing Gabriel Tabu. The latter replied with a try to Lenie Lohia and the scores were locked at 4-4 to half-time. The second-half saw the Dogs dominating with their strong runs, but the resilient Panthers with Dile, Rei Bodom, John Andy and Paul George stood their ground. The pressure was finally lifted minutes before fulltime when Panthers right-centre Meseka Dile punched through for the winning try. Dogs coach coach Rausi Dikana said their ball handling errors let them down and the players did not follow the game plan, that cost them the game. Dikana thanked all the players, sponsors and supporters for a great season. For the Panthers, they now progress to the preliminary final with Koita Cowboys of Papa village The Kido Granites had knocked out Kampa Roosters 20-18 in a close encounter, will now meet Kibia Warriors. The winners will play in the Grand Final. The two matches were officiated by the PNGRFL recognised whistle blower in Aaron Henry and two touch judges. Rugby league in Papua New Guinea, the favourite national sport that was once dominated by Central people, from the 1960s to the 1990’s is now on a steady comeback for them. This has also seen a rise in several village leagues affiliate to the mother body, the PNGRFL. While also seeing several players of Papuan origin filtering into the elite PNG Hunters program. The Keith Iduhu Hiri West Rugby League is an example of one such competition in the Hiri-Koiari district, Central province, that is providing a conducive pathway for rural talent to be exposed. Already it is filtering players into the Gas Resource Central Dabaris franchise in the ExxonMobil Digicel Cup, to which Morea Morea Jr who came through that pathway has gone even further to the PNG Hunters in the QLD Cup and made his PNG Kumuls debut last year. Now Morea Jr is with the Central QLD Capras. The HWRL comprises 16 clubs, that field teams in three divisions – men, women and U21.