Home matches for Muruks changed

THE two remaining Digicel Cup home games for Mendi Muruks this season have been shifted away for disciplinary reasons.
These games will now be played at the visiting teams’ home venues.
Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competitions (PNGNRLC) manager Stanley Hondina made the changes last week following missiles being thrown onto the field by supporters as well as match referee being assaulted.
“The match review committee at its meeting in Port Moresby on July 9 found video evidence that missiles were thrown onto the field of play,” Hondina said in a letter to the Mendi Muruks Franchise manager Eric Alom.
“The committee also found that the match referee was assaulted.”
He said players, match officials and the public’s safety was paramount and was the responsibility of the host franchise.
“As you are well aware, PNGNRLC has a zero tolerance on violence and upon recommendation from the match review committee, the board has agreed to remove the remaining two home games for the Muruks in Mendi this year,” Hondina said.
“These two home games will now be played away at the visiting teams’ home ground.”
Hondina said Mendi Muruks support staff Peter Alkend was seen pointing fingers at the reserve referee and also pushed him.
“This is a serious breach of the games’ rules and regulations as no match officials are to be touched at all,” Hondina said.
“Alkend will not travel with the team or be anywhere near the team for the rest of the season.”
Hondina said these decision were effective immediately.