Draw change

The National Sports

PAPUA New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) has made a dramatic decision to change the 2023 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup draws and format after three rounds to the unreliability of Air Nuigini’s flight schedules and cancellations.
The new draw will see the 12 teams divided into two pools (Pool A and B) or conferences of six teams each.
The Highlands and Lae-based franchises along with Kimbe Cutters were placed in pool A while Port Moresby-based teams with Rabaul Gurias and Sepik Pride will compete in pool B.
It is apparent that the changes were made to avoid inconveniences in team movements each weekend and extra costs incurred by clubs and the competition.
PNGNRLC general manager Leith Isaac told The National yesterday that a press conference would be held in Port Moresby today (Wednesday) to officially announce the changes.
“Yes, the changes were made to our draws due to flight disruptions all around the country,” Isaac said.
The round 3 fixture between Mendi Muruks and Rabaul Gurias which was scheduled to be held at Lae Rugby League Ground on Sunday was postponed to Monday as the Kokopo-based side could not make it to Lae before the game-day due to a flight issue.
In round 1, Kimbe Cutters stayed for two extra days in Lae after they played the Muruks. Cutters returned to Hoskins via Port Moresby on Wednesday instead of Monday after playing on Sunday.
Enga Mioks team manager Sam Koi gave his feedback to the late changes saying it was a situation beyond the control of the competition managers and clubs.
“It’s a situation beyond PNGNRLC’s control and we can only hope these cancelations and flight delays get sorted out soon,” Koi said.
“While we prefer the original draw we also understand the action taken to amend the draw so that we can complete the season with fewer disruptions due to flight issues.”
Teams will play round robin matches within their respective pools until round 14 where they will play cross-pool matches up to round 16.
The top-six teams after round 16 would head into the first week of the finals which will on Aug 6.
Pool A: Goroka Lahanis, Enga Mioks, Mt Hagen Eagles, Lae Tigers, Mendi Muruks, Kimbe Cutters; Pool B: Port Moresby Vipers, Central Dabaris, Gulf Isou, Hela Wigmen, Sepik Pride, Rabaul Gurias.