PNGRFL questioned about SP Cup teams
ENGA Governor Peter Ipatas has expressed concerned on the withdrawal of two Port Moresby franchise teams – questioning the PNG Rugby Football League administrative capabilities.
Ipatas said yesterday that as part-owner of Toyota Mioks rugby league club, he feels strongly about SP Cup matters, and was entitled to make comments about the running of the SP Cup competition in the country.
SP Cup should be expanding to other provinces and not decreasing, in the case of two franchise owners pulling out, the governor said.
Ipatas said Toyota Mioks want to build their base in Wabag and no other places.
Governor said he was worried about whether the PNG Rugby Football League and the PNG National Rugby League Board are promoting or marketing the game to the business communities to attract more teams into the SP Cup competition this year.
Meanwhile, Kimbe Taur were given green light by PNG National Rugby League Board to join the competition.
Interim chairman and spokesperson Horta Boskey announced this at the weekend after he recruited some players from Port Moresby to bolster their campaign this season.
Some of the new players are Thomas Ninkama, the former captain of the failed franchise Brian Bell Bulldogs, Toua Kohu (Pom Broncos and Enga Mioks) and Kenneth Livayong (Bingtagor Lahanis).
Boskey said one of the most prominent players currently with the Agmark Gurias has also expressed interest through Chris Lome (who has already joined Taur) of his intention to join the team.
However, Boskey has chosen to remain tight-lipped on this as negotiations were still going on.
Currently Taur have a 27-man development squad in place who are hard at training.
Boskey said Taur have already acquired the services of recently retired Agmark Gurias halfback Jessie Alunga to lead the franchise. The team also secured Balthasar Lome and Henry Wartovo who were regular faces in the Agmark-sponsored team.
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