Comp releases draw

By PARKER TAMBUA
THE Digicel Cup season will have eleven rounds before the October finals with strict compliance to the Covid-19 conditions set by State of Emergency Controller David Manning.
The Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) has permitted venue capacity at 30 per cent and all matches of the first four rounds will either be played in Port Moresby or Lae.
The protocol will also see all clubs having an extended squad of 35 players and staff who will be strictly monitored with limited movement in and out of team camps.
On Friday, PNGNRLC chairman Adrian Chow warned team officials, players, fans and other stakeholders to adhere to the measure to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
“We will have 11 rounds of round-robin matches which means all teams will play each other only once,” Chow said.
“To minimise the risk of Covid-19, spectators and all stakeholders should follow the PNGRFL protocols.”
PNGNRLC manager Stanley Hondina said no player from outside the squad should be allowed to join any team when the season was in progress.
“Traditionally, a club has around 25 players,” he said.
“But because of the situation we are facing, we have allowed clubs to have a maximum of 35 players each.
“Once they name their squad, those are the players we will be working with in terms of protocols.
“No club will be allowed to slot in new players during the season.”
Meanwhile, PNGNRLC held a workshop in Port Moresby with club members in preparation for the Digicel Cup kick-off.
The workshop was about adhering to the PNG Rugby Football League’s “Banis Protocol” which will help ensure the health and safety of all stakeholders, including the players, amid the Covid-19 pandemic.