Danny Leahy to host matches after league lifts ban

GOROKA Lahanis are grateful to host their Digicel Cup round-four clash with Central Dabaris after the Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition’s lifting of a ban on the Sir Danny Leahy Oval.
PNGNRLC made a decision las month to temporarily ban the Lahanis’ home games following an assault on referee Max Topani during their round-one match against Hela Wigmen. Lahanis manager Benji Filele told The National yesterday that playing home games was crucial to their premiership campaign.
“Having home advantage is important because playing in front of our families and tribes gives us a boost to compete hard,” he said.
“We need those home games, and I think the competition has made the right decision to reinstate the Sir Danny Leahy Oval as our home ground. Club and franchise owner Bintangor has spent a lot of money to make the home venue conducive to host Digicel Cup games, so the lifting of the ban is fair.
“It would not do justice if we had played all our games away while other teams had home advantage.
“Although we have fans in Port Moresby and other centres, it is nothing compared with the feeling and the support we get when playing in our home town.” Filele said the Sir Danny Leahy Oval was safe for visiting teams.
But he said the incident was unfortunate. “It’s unfortunate that our player, Ake Paluse, will miss three games, but we accept the decision,” Filele said.
“From our sources and evidence, Ake did not assault the referee, but we accept the decision for now.
“But media personnel on the ground were involved in the incident.”