Hondina happy with start of comp

PAPUA New Guinea National rugby league competition manager Stanley Hondina has urged fans of Digicel Cup clubs to support their teams without resorting to threats, intimidation and violence.
Hodina said the season had kicked off last Sunday and while he was pleased there were no incidents arising from the five matches played in Port Moresby, Mendi, Kokopo and Goroka, he said it was imperative that people were made aware of the zero tolerance policy the PNG National Rugby League Competition was taking to violence in the sport.
Hondina encouraged franchises to show the example by not being seen to be bring the game into disrepute by their conduct.
“Get out there to the venues in you towns and provinces and support you teams in good spirit. There is no need to be violent and aggressive. Do not intimidate or threaten visiting teams. This is not the way sports should be played, watched or enjoyed,” Hondina said.
He said there were no major injuries after the first round but one or two cases of players being put on report, which the match review committee looking into it.
“They will deliberate the results will be out today or tomorrow.
“Other than that, it was quite an exciting opening round and we are looking forward to the second round of games.”
Hodina said all teams had prepared early for the 2018 season and the opening round had shown that with a good standard of rugby league displayed.
He expected the standard to improve as the competition went on.
“You can see that there was a significant improvement in the games on the first round.
“We are now looking forward for a better second week.
“We’re expecting more good results in the rounds to come,” Hondina said.