League extends season by 7 weeks

THE Port Moresby Rugby Football League has resolved to extend its regular season by another seven weeks with crowds expected to return in the second round of competition.
League chairman Dr James Naipao said the board had agreed to give clubs a week off to sort out their player registration before the Oct 23 resumption at the Oil Search National Football Stadium’s oval two.
“The board has resolved to postpone the second round of competition to next weekend,” he said.
“Also, by next weekend, crowds may be allowed into the venue where we run our competition.
“But strict Covid-19 protocols will still apply.
“All clubs must have their players and officials registered to be eligible for the second round of competition. Covid-19 has brought about anxiety, fear, confusion and indecision but it will not derail our purpose of existence.”
The first seven weeks of competition were played behind closed doors but the restriction will now be lifted to cater to paying spectators.
The second-round matches will see another seven weeks of the regular season following the build-up in competition and increased participation during the initial seven.
Clubs will continue to play matches in their respective pools with the dates of the finals to be confirmed by the league administration.
The season was initially scheduled for seven weeks followed by the finals but the board, in consultation with clubs, had agreed on the extension.