Coronavirus delta variant forces Goroka league into suspension

GOROKA Rugby League matches will remain suspended for the next two weeks in the Eastern Highlands capital, according to an official.
Provincial sports director Leroy Kume told The National yesterday that all competitions, including the league, were on hold with authorities to review the decision after two weeks.
He said the surge in Coronavirus Delta variant cases in the Eastern Highlands capital remained a threat to the league.
“The competition is in a two-week lockdown and that will stand until authorities see if it is safe to resume matches,” Kume said.
“Goroka is in a desperate situation and most the province’s resources are being stretched to the limit.
“So we’re calling on teams and players to be mindful of their movements.
“We’ve advised players and teams to stop training because there’s a ban on gatherings.
“The league is one of the biggest in the province and we will look into how we can resume.
“But first, we must review and see if and when we will be able to re-start matches.
“We have 22 teams each in the men’s and Under-20 divisions.
“There are eight women’s teams, so it will be a big task to resume games.
“But we will have to assess the situation first.”
Kume said if the competition was given the green light, matches for the final round of regular season would go ahead with only the top-12 men’s and U20 sides progressing to the finals.