Clubs asked to field women’s teams in 2024 season

THE Port Moresby Rugby League administration has warned three affiliated clubs to comply with PNG Rugby Football League’s affiliation requirement by fielding their women’s teams.
Acting administration manager John Ambane warned Gulf West, Butterflies and Magani to field their women’s teams in this weekend’s round three competition or face serious sanctions.
The three clubs failed to field their women’s teams over the last two rounds resulting in forfeitures.
Ambane said a third breach this weekend would result in the women’s teams being removed from the competition and the clubs disciplined.
“This may also affect the club’s participation in the 2024 competition and that is the last thing that will occur,” Ambane said.
“The other clubs Hanuabada Hawks, Paga Panthers, Royals, Defence, Kone Storms, Tarangau, Kone Tigers, Hohola Flies, and Dobo Warriors all have their women’s teams.
“This is a requirement so Gulf West, Butterflies and Magani should not ignore this but be serious and start organising their female players.”
He said the league alongside Moresby South, POM Suburban and Motu Koita were premier leagues in the country who had women’s competition to promote gender equality.
“This is a PNG Rugby Football League requirement that we are adhering to so the three clubs should get their acts together,” he said.
Ambane said this was an opportunity for women to compete in the domestic women’s intercity competition planned for August.
“We have a large pool of players in our competition with wealth of experience in current and former PNG Orchids and future products from the NCD Schools Rugby League competition,” he said about the women’s division.
“I appeal to all these players involved with POM-based franchises to register with PRL and play for their respective clubs.”