Judge raps league hierarchy

By KEVIN TEME and SAMUEL RAITANO
NATIONAL Court Judge Ambeng Kandakasi yesterday blasted all parties involved in the infighting over PNGRFL affairs, after finding that the interim committee members and parties aligned with them had not yet found a solution on the AGM and other necessary procedures for fair representation of all stakeholders.
Kandakasi said at present it was only seen that there was infighting and chaos brewing within PNGRFL, and the cause of this was a minority with interests that obviously did not serve the majority.
“I love rugby league…I am quite displeased with the way it is being dealt with.”
Kandakasi’s dismay was triggered further when the parties sought to have their individual opinions and recommendations entertained by the court, leaving aside the main issue which was the lapsing of AGM date set to be held before or by Nov 30 as per an April 8 court order.
The court was also told that the interim committee had not had any discussions among themselves to have the AGM and other issues resolved following the interim order last week to postpone last Saturday’s proposed AGM in Lae.
Last Wednesday’s court order for interim chairman John Numapo to provide evidence in court as to how the now-cancelled AGM of last Saturday had been called was not ready yesterday.
Kandakasi called on both parties to come up with a solution to move forward by today.
He indicated that the terms of the interim committee members would lapse tomorrow, and a solution was necessary.
“It is a matter of national interest … nothing has been done for a truly represented, fair and transparent way forward.
“You can not be forever locked in this; rather see a solution to go forward and it must be presented tomorrow (today).”
Kandakasi advised the parties to talk to each other, as well as the Sports Minister Sali Subam.
Kandakasi said since the government had been backing rugby league the PNGNRL Bid, it should have a say in providing avenues for a way forward which was proving to be difficult and protracted.