Lahanis, Eagles yet to pay K120,000 fee

By KEVIN TEME
TWO-time Digicel Cup champions Bintangor Goroka Lahanis and Mt Hagen Wantok Gaming System Eagles have yet to settle their K120,000 fees to participate in the semi-professional league this season.
PNG National Rugby League general manager Hubert Warupi said yesterday at the Ipatas Foundation in Port Moresby the franchise clubs had made a commitment to pay this week.
He said this when accepting K120,000 from Enga Governor Peter Ipatas as payment for the Mioks.
“The deadline lapsed but we had to give them this week to pay after they called me personally that they will be paying before the end of this week,” Warupi said.
He said Mioks had been one of the consistent franchise clubs in the competition.
“Mioks have been one of the consistent teams. It was a very strong team last season. It is Ipatas’ vision to ensure his people especially the youth to gain something in life. It has opened doors for the youths.
“The Ipatas Cup has also provided an avenue for players to be selected from all walks of life,” he said.
Ipatas said those participating in sports or rugby league had seen the value of being part of the competition. It is also a form of entertainment for the people of Enga.
“As a leader, one might think I am obsessed but let me get this clear. My record of involving myself in sports speaks for itself. I have physically demonstrated my views about sports,” he said.
Ipatas said the Enga provincial government was prepared to continue its support for the Mioks because it was one of the government’s projects and an investment for his people.
“Ela Motors had supported the Mioks for a couple of years. This year they have diverted their support to education. I was sort of happy when they shifted to education because I have been doing this for the past 15 years with my free education policy,” Ipatas said.
“We are having discussions with Barrick Niugini and if they do not come on board, the provincial government will continue its support.”
Warupi also confirmed that Stop N Shop Port Moresby Vipers, Structural Bridging Systems Mendi Muruks, Lae Snax Tigers, TNA Lions, Gulf Isapea and NGIP Agmark Rabaul Gurias have paid up.