League to start comp in June

By JACK AMI
THE Moresby North-East Rugby Football League will kick off its season on June 5 as directed by the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL), says local MP John Kaupa.
He has allocated K500,000 to get the competition off the ground and affiliated to PNGRFL.
Kaupa said the deferral was a preventative measure in response to the global coronavirus pandemic.
He commended PNGRFL chairman Tsaka and his board for suspending all sanctioned competitions and programmes until June 5.
“We as a newly-established PNGRFL affiliate respect the national body’s decision to postpone our competition and wait for their approval,” Kaupa said. “It is a serious issue and we should be mindful of our health and safety.
“This is a national issue and we are taking measures to keep our players and officials confined to their homes.
“We have secured the rugby league field at Bomana and we are working on the ground and fencing.”
He said the deferral had given them ample time to get the field ready for the season.
“We have about 16 clubs ready to play but the suspension notice from PNG Sports Foundation executive director Peter Tsiamalili Jr has seen all the competitions defer their matches and programmes,” Kaupa said.
“We have to take precautionary measures to avoid contracting the coronavirus.”