AFL PNG makes honorary changes to officers

 AFL PNG has appointed Rex Leka as the operations manager for the senior AFL competition in Port Moresby by the honorary AFL committee. 

The former Koboni superstar, who captained the PNG Mosquitoes in the 2005 international cup grand final loss to Ireland in Melbourne, Australia, was appointed to the post last week following the resignation of Cornelius Popau.

Popau, a former junior development officer for the Momase region, held the post for the past five months but decided to leave the seat vacant to take up the coaching duties for the new team, Moni Plus Taurama Suns.

Leka’s appointment was unanimously confirmed in the club delegates meeting at the Cricket PNG Club House at Amini Park on Sunday.

At the same meeting, Robson Akis was appointed the media liaison officer for AFL PNG.

AFL PNG managing director Murray Bird said Leka’s vast knowledge of AFL as a representative player at the senior level would greatly help in ensuring the smooth running of the competition in Port Moresby.

The delegates meeting also endorsed the appointment of former Dockers ruckman Richard Aupae to head the umpires association. Aupae will be assisted by another former Koboni centre-man, Navu Maka.

The meeting also endorsed the alcohol-free playing venues with clubs likely to cop heavy penalties up to K1,000 fine for instigating and stirring up troubles on at the playing venues.

The committee will also be looking at the introduction of the “yellow” and “red” cards system to deter players from resorting to un-sportsmanship conducts.

Meanwhile, the U18 competition has commenced to pave way for younger players to enjoy and get the full feeling of the game rather than warming benches at the senior level.

So far they have ran two trial matches with the real competition to get underway in the next few weeks.