League warns spectators to follow protocols

THE Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) has warned spectators to comply with its Covid-19 protocols to ensure a safe and successful Digicel Cup season.
PNGNRLC manager Stanley Hondina said National Pandemic Controller David Manning had cleared the competition on the understanding that all Digicel Cup stakeholders, including spectators, would comply with the protocols.
“Everyone loves rugby league and it’s up to all of us to contribute and take ownership of it,” he said yesterday.
“It’s about partnership.
“We are all a party to this, comply with the rules that have been set.
“Maintain social distancing and sit where you are told. We don’t need to use police to control you.
“It’s up to every individual to take ownership of the game.
“Follow the protocols in order for the season to be played out successfully.
“The controller cleared the Digicel Cup — the only rugby league competition afoot in the world apart from Australia’s National Rugby League — because he had confidence in us. What if the controller decides to call off the competition?
“What will we do?
“Let’s honour that commitment and play our part.”
Leading Edge managing director Lee Pokarop, who is in charge of the competition’s event management, also shared the same sentiments.
“We’ve had a decent crowd last week and the compliance was solid,” he said.
“Awareness of these protocols will take time to filter through but we will continue to reinforce them so that those guidelines doesn’t lose their significance.”
Meanwhile, Hondina applauded Leading Edge for enforcing the protocols which saw the successful hosting of round one in Port Moresby.