Digicel Cup set to kick off in March with 10 teams

By JACK AMI
THE Papua New Guinea National Rugby League semi-professional competition Digicel Cup, is tentatively set to kick off on March 25.
PNGNRL administration manager Stanley Hondina said he would confirm the date after the franchise chairmen’s meeting in Port Moresby on Sunday. That meeting will also confirm the draw and other activities for the 2018 season.
Hondina said new franchises like the Simbu Warriors and Gulf Isou would be considered on merit.
He said all applications would be vetted and if they met the requirements as stipulated by the board, such as having a major sponsor (finances), paying the registration fee, having a home ground and a feeder competition, then they had a strong chance of being included in the expanded competition.
Hondina said he was aware that some clubs were well into their season preparation.
He said the Warriors were already in training.
Hondina said defending premiers the Snax Lae Tigers and runners-up Agmark Gurias had started their season preparations last month.
Kroton Hela Wigmen and NCDC Port Moresby Vipers are also in their pre-season training now.
Other established teams in the competition are the PRK Mendi Muruks, EPG Enga Mioks, Waghi Tumbe and the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis.
“This will be another season and teams should already be preparing so they will be fit and able to perform at a high standard,” Hondina said.
“We can’t force these teams to start their training but it’s good for them to do so like the successful clubs like the Tigers and Gurias.”