Barracks rejects PRL submission

 By JACK AMI

PORT Moresby Rugby League’s 2014 season has hit a snag.

The Papua New Guinea Defence Force headquarters has rejected its proposal to use the Murray Barracks ovals to stage its competition.

The largest league in the country will have to look for another venue to stage its games while its homeground, the Lloyd Robsob Oval, undergoes renovations for the Pacific Games.

The PNGDF Commercial Support Programme Committee screened PRL’s request for lease of the Murray Barracks.  

Lt Col Ben Siria said their recommendation was submitted to the Commander’s Office which unfortunately rejected it for several reasons.

He said the main reason was security, toilets and car park issues as sports like rugby league attracted big crowds and it was not safe for the residential area and Defence Force properties at the barracks.

The Port Moresby Rugby League Board is aware of the decision.

Lt Col Ben Siria said the military sporting facilities was out of bounds to civilian sporting organisations in Port Moresby.

He said this will not affect only PRL but Port Moresby Corporate Touch Association which also plays its competition there. 

That means that these two associations should look for another venue for their competitions.

However, AFL, volleyball, basketball and softball will be allowed use the facilities as Defence clubs play in these competitions. Teams associated to the military will be allowed to train at the facilities.