25 Apr 2017

Sport: Rugby League 9s to feature in Comm Games build-up

11:46 am on 25 April 2017

Rugby League Nines is set to feature in the lead up to next year's Gold Coast Commonwealth Games after the proposed second Commonwealth Championship was endorsed by the Commonwealth Games Federation.

Papua New Guinea won gold in the inaugural Championship in 2014, which was run as an exhibition event alongside the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

Hunters player Stanton Albert was named player of the tournament as PNG went through unbeaten, defeating Australia 22-8 in the final.

PNG Hunters player Stanton Albert has signed with the Penrith Panthers.

Stanton Albert starred for PNG in the inaugural Commonwealth Nines Championship. Photo: SP PNG Hunters

The age restriction for the 2018 Championship has been increased from Under 19s to Under 23s.

Hosts Australia, defending champions PNG England and South Africa are confirmed entrants, with 8-12 expected to participate when the Championship in held in Brisbane in February.

Participants in 2014 included Wales, Scotland, Jamaica, Canada, Australia, Scotland, England and South Africa.