Comp gets greenlight

By PARKER TAMBUA
THE Port Moresby Rugby Football League says it has received Papua New Guinea Sports Foundation (PNGSF) approval to kick off its season with a tentative date set for July 12.
According to league administrator Meke Maino, the country’s biggest and oldest competition had met all Covid-19 protocols set by PNGSF and the PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRFL).
“Following a board meeting last weekend, the PNGRFL through Southern Confederate director Gwaibo Mairi has given us the nod to start on July 12.
“We have also written to PNGSF and acting executive director Micah James has given us the green light.
“He (James) has given directives to the chairman of protocol management to process our application given the protocols in place, so we are ready to start.
“We have in place a revised draw with 13 rounds which will see teams play each other once.
“Then we will have four weeks of finals with the grand final set for Oct 30.
“PRL has put in place measures to counter Covid-19 with the safety of players and officials given priority.
“Everyone coming through the gates will have to do temperature checks and use hand sanitisers.
“I appeal to all clubs and referees to be prepared so that we can start on July 12.
“We cannot afford to start later than that.”
Maino said fans would not be allowed through the gates in the early stages of the competition but insisted that the arrangement could change later in the season.
He said most of the clubs had started personal training two weeks ago and that players were ready to take the field.