K100,000 on offer for Cup

By PARKER TAMBUA
THE Digicel Cup has reverted to an 18-round regular season after shorter campaigns over the past two years due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
On top of that, the prize money has been increased from K60,000 to K100,000 with the season kick-off and grand final scheduled for April 17 and Oct 9 respectively.
But Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition manager Ora Gairo said yesterday that they might make a few venue changes due to upcoming general election.
“We have increased the prize money upon the board’s approval,” he said during a franchise managers’ conference in Port Moresby.
“There are prizes for the runners-up and others.
“The centres that will host regular-round matches are Port Moresby, Lae, Wabag, Minj, Kimbe and Kokopo.
“Goroka will not be hosting any games due to the incident (burning down of a kunai hut during a home game) at the National Sports Institute.
“But their team, Lahanis, will be using Jonah Ambane Oval in Minj as their home ground.
“There will be some double-header matches in Minj and Wabag.
“All (the 12) teams are geared up for the season.
“Everyone is looking forward to the season.”
Gairo said the competition would have a two-week recess after round nine for players to cast their votes during the general election.
“There will be two weeks of polling, according to the national calendar, so the break is in line with that,” he said.
“We may make changes to venues, especially up in the Highlands, should there be any election-related violence or disturbances.
“We will ask franchises that will host games (Enga Mioks and Waghi Tumbe) to report to us any security concerns.
“We may move games to coastal towns like Kimbe and Kokopo, if that happens.”