Franchises warned to pay up

DIGICEL Cup franchises Mt Hagen Eagles Enga Mioks Waghi Tumbe and Gulf Isou have been warned to settle their 2020 arrears in order to compete in the upcoming season.
“The challenges of 2020 caused financial hardship on franchises and their sponsors, and extensions had been given on payment due dates,” Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) chairman Adrian Chow said in a statement yesterday.
“However, to maintain the high standards of the Digicel Cup, the board resolved that the franchises must pay the remaining balances as a pre-requisite to the 2021 season.”
Meanwhile, the 12 existing Digicel Cup franchises — Hela Wigmen, Lae Tigers, Rabaul Gurias, Port Moresby Vipers, Eagles, Mendi Muruks, Kimbe Cutters, Isou, Goroka Lahanis, Mioks, Central Dabaris and Tumbe — have been given the nod for the upcoming season.
Chow said 15 applications were received when expressions of interest were sought last November.
“The three unsuccessful bidders were the Motu-Koita Lagatois, Simbu Warriors and Sepik Pride,” he said.
“We understand the amount of effort put into the bids.
“The PNGNRLC board did not reject the bids outright.
“We want to ensure that all the relevant support and requirements are correct from the beginning, so that the franchises are in the competition for a long time.”
Chow outlined the reasons their applications were not successful for now.
“The Lagatois’ bid was well supported with reputable corporate sponsors and the proponents can bring sports administration of high standard and commercial benefits to the competition,” he said.
“However, the PNGNRLC constitution, adopted in 2018, allows for only one franchise per province.”
Chow said approval was required from the PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) to allow two or more affiliates franchises per province. “We will continue to liaise and undertake the process of consultation with our stakeholders for justification before recommending to PNGRFL to accept their proposal,” he said.
For the Warriors, Chow said the proposed naming-rights sponsors was not acceptable as it breached exclusive rights granted under current competition commercial arrangements and the proposed home ground Dickson Oval was not to a satisfactory standard following inspection last month.