Duo re-elected-PNGRFL

A SPECIAL annual general meeting (AGM) in Lae last Tuesday unanimously re-elected Gary Juffa and Bryan Kramer to head the PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRFL).
The meeting in Lae attended by 22 affiliates went ahead to elected Juffa as chairman and Kramer as deputy despite a dispute pending in court which could lead to contempt of court proceedings.
Also elected at the same meeting were Max Tiri (Highlands), Peter Barnaga (Northern), Samuel Lohia (Southern) and Ota Bosky (New Guinea Islands).
Mt Hagen Rugby League executives headed by Samuel Buka wrote a letter on Dec 18, advising all associations, including the former board of the meeting in Lae on Tuesday.
The letter was written four days after the National Court advised the disputing lawyers on Dec 14.
The letter dated Dec 18, said: “We (affiliates) are no longer prepared to stand aside and have now decided to take matters into our hands by exercising our Constitutional Rights under Section 13 (3) as members of the PNGRFL Inc, to call and convene a special general meeting to resolve the matter once and for all.”
He said the purpose of the meeting was to move a motion of no-confidence in the board of directors – “be it the former or newly-appointed board” – for “bringing the game into disrepute”.
“We strongly suggest to the board of directors in dispute to resign immediately and allow the members to reappoint a new board at a special meeting to be held on Dec 29 in Lae.
“Should either party refuse to comply, then the members will move a motion of no-confidence against those who consider themselves as directors of PNGRFL.”
Incumbent Albert Veratau and his board did not attend the meeting in Lae.
Juffa was nominated by Nomis RFL president Patrick Yanis and supported by Popondetta RFL while Rigo RFL had moved the motion.
The presidents of the associations that turned up for the meeting were Mt Hagen, Minj, Kudjip, Gomis, Nondugl, Kondopina, Dei, Tari, Mendi, Pangia, Koroba, Porgera, Madang, Ramu, Popondetta, Rigo, Kiunga, Jimi, Kindeng and Banz.
Lae, Yonki and Mt Hagen were represented by their deputy presidents while Tabubil and East New Britain sent in their apologies.
Attempt to contact Veratau yesterday was unsuccessful while the chairman of Port Moresby Rugby Football League (POMRFL) board Solomon Ravu said the election could end up in court for contempt of court as the dispute is currently before the court.
He said could not elaborate and referred The National to Veratau.