Digicel Cup boss resigns

By JACK AMI
AFTER six years at the helm of the  the Digicel Cup, Papua New Guinea National Rugby League chairman Sudhir Guru, pictured, resigned yesterday.
Guru tendered his resignation in good faith after Port Moresvy Vipers major sponsor City Pharmacy Limited withdraw its support of the capital city franchise.
Guru, who is the company’s executive director, became PNG NRL chairman through his involvement with the Vipers.
At the time, CPL took the lead role in managing the Vipers with the support of the National Capital District Commission.
CPL under the Stop ‘n’ Shop banner partnered with NCDC as joint franchise owners.
Guru said over a five-year period his company had spent in excess of K2.5 million on the Vipers and he was proud of their record with the club, who won the permiership in 2013.
Guru said his parting with the PNG NRL was amicable and added that he had achieved his goals for the semi-professional competition which was mainly to ensure good administration that would benefit the 11 franchises.
Guru naturally stepped down from his involvement with the Vipers with Ted Lulu taking over the Vipers chairmanship in an acting capacity.
“I’m happy to hand over the Vipers chairman’s role to Ted (Lulu) who was appointed by NCDC,” Guru said.
Guru said his only concern for the PNG NRL was for it to continue to be independently managed.
He said it was time the PNG NRL consider appointing an individual who was not tied to any of the clubs.
“We need a neutral person in charge in order for transparency and fairness in decision making and for the good of the code,” Guru said.