THE Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) has opened up a bank account to assist Kumuls player Kurt Baptiste who suffered a knee injury during the Pacific Test against Toa Samoa in Sydney, Australia, last month.





The injury has ruled the North Queensland Cowboys rake out for the next 12 months.





“Our concern is his welfare, he risked his NRL contract when he chose to play for PNG and the injury happened while he was wearing the Kumuls jersey,” PNGRFL chairman Sandis Tsaka said in a statement. He said PNG as a nation, was obliged to show their appreciation and support for Baptiste at this difficult time in his career.





Enga governor Sir Peter Ipatas was the first to show his support for Baptiste with a donation of K10,000 that was presented to the PNGRFL executives at the Oil Search National Football Stadium yesterday.





“The welfare and needs of our athletes who represent and make sacrifices for PNG must be supported”, Sir Peter said.





“Let’s get behind this appeal and support Kurt.”





Donations are now open and will close on July 31.Donations can be made to the ‘Trust Account for Kurt Baptiste’ (No.7017301099) at the Bank South Pacific in Port Moresby.





Media Release/The National/PNG Today











