Digicel Cup deferred

THE 2021 Digicel Cup season is set to kick off next Saturday following a three-week deferral due to a member of one of the franchises testing positive for Covid-19.
Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) chairman Adrian Chow in a statement yesterday said that following the board’s deferral decision, all 12 franchises agreed that for the season to proceed, it was in the best interest of everyone that all players and staff be vaccinated.
“This decision was relayed to the Office of the National Pandemic Response Controller who gave conditional endorsement,” he said.
Chow said the first two weeks since May 10 saw doctors Kapua Kapua, Gideon Kendino and Ivan Ravu Jr conduct awareness sessions with all franchise players, staff and officials.
“Vaccination in the country is not compulsory and the three doctors discussed and consulted with the players and staff on any doubts they may have on being vaccinated, so they could make an informed choice,” he said.
Chow said as of Wednesday, nine franchises had received their jabs while the rest were scheduled to get theirs yesterday and today.
“Match officials who have been nominated to officiate all Digicel Cup games will also get vaccinated,” he said.
Chow said all players, staff and officials who had been vaccinated were reminded to send their ‘green forms’ to PNGNRLC manager Ora Gairo to have them registered and be eligible for the upcoming season.
“We have taken this stance in order to lessen the risks of transmission to families, friends and the communities,” he said.
Chow said the deferral by another week gave all concerned parties ample time to recover should there be any post-vaccination side effects and for all franchises to re-confirm and prepare their rosters.
“Kick-off will be as per the round-one draw and venues with no crowds,” Chow said.
“We will advise over the next week or so if there will be any changes made to the season draw.”
Chow extended the board’s gratitude to Deputy National Pandemic Response Controller Dr Daoni Esorom and the Office of National Pandemic Response Controller, provincial healthy authorities, sponsors and partners for their understanding and efforts over the past three weeks. “Thank you all and let’s look forward to kicking off our premier rugby league competition, the Digicel Cup, next Saturday,” he said.