Digicel Cup bids rejected

Western, Chimbu teams failed to meet criteria, says Hondina

By PARKER TAMBUA
WESTERN Fly Storms, Mt Hagen Crushers and the Simbu Warriors have been rejected entry into the Digicel Cup next season after their bids were turned down for various reasons.
Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) manager Stanley Hondina made the announcement at a press conference in Port Moresby yesterday.
Defending champions Lae Tigers, Rabaul Gurias, Mendi Muruks, Mt Hagen Eagles, Hela Wigmen, Goroka Lahanis, Gulf Isou, Central Dabari, Enga Mioks and the Kimbe Cutters are the existing sides in the country’s premier rugby league competition.
Hondina said Storms and Warriors had failed to meet some of the competition requirements while Crushers were turned because the Papua New Guinea National Rugby League competition wasn’t keen on a second Mt Hagen team to be included at this stage.
He said Storms and Warriors had no home ground and corporate sponsors. which are two of the eligibility criteria.
Hondina asked both franchises to sort out those issues before seeking entry into the Digicel Cup competition.
“We can’t have all teams based in Port Moresby and secondly, it is required that all teams must have corporate backing regardless of whether they have government support.
“The Chimbu and Western governments have put in the effort to push their bids but for financial security reasonss it is required of them to secure a corporate sponsor as well.
“We have some bad experience of teams that were sponsored by provincial governments in the past so we have to change that.
“We don’t want politics to interrupt (the competition) because that has sometimes been the case over the years.
“For the Crushers, they have met all the requirements but the (PNGNRLC) board thinks the timing isn’t right for a second Mt Hagen team.”
Hondina said if Storms and Warriors could meet the requirements within the remaining five months before the start of the new season, they could be a chance for inclusion.