Banned players to be excluded in all affiliated comps: PNGRFL

PLAYERS who are banned from any Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League-affiliated competition will not be allowed to participate in its programmes, including the semi-professional Digicel Cup.
PNGRFL chairman Sandis Tsaka told The National yesterday that the current judicial system used in the country was consistent with that of the sport’s world governing body, International Rugby League.
He said the system was established in 2016.
Tsaka said players would not get away with their actions if found guilty of ill-discipline.
“We already have established a judicial system that is consistent with the International Rugby League guidelines,” he said.
“Once a disciplinary action or sanction is taken by a member association of PNGRFL, this decision is deemed to be ratified by the PNGRFL if an appeal is not lodged within the guidelines.
“When a player, official or administrator is disciplined, suspended or banned by a member association, that sanction or decision applies to all sanctioned rugby league programmes domestically and internationally.”
Tsaka warned players and officials to uphold the values of rugby league which were discipline, integrity, honesty, fair play and sportsmanship.
He said there were business houses that invested in rugby league in the country, so players must act within the guidelines to give confidence to investors.
Lae Rugby League and Port Moresby Rugby Football League were marred by violence recently, copping criticism from the rugby league fraternity around the country.