League’s K10m deal

Sports

THE Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) and PNG Health Assurance (PHA) yesterday signed a K10 million contract as major sponsor of the PNG Kumuls for the next five years.
Specialist adviser to PHA, Raj Juta, announced this at a media conference in Port Moresby.
“PHA is delighted to announce this landmark five-year sponsorship with the PNGRFL as platinum sponsor of the Kumuls this year,” Juta said.
“PHA will become naming rights sponsor of the Kumuls starting this year when they will be known as PHA Kumuls until 2023.”
Juta also announced PHAs partnership with PNGRFL for personal accident protection cover to all registered players and officials, including referees and employees.
“Providing protection to rugby league players through a personal insurance cover is a very important step in promoting the sport not only in PNG but also among rugby league enthusiasts around the world,” Juta said.
“This will encourage more players to be competitive and further develop the national sport at the elite and grassroots levels.”
He said the sponsorship was part of PHAs ongoing commitment to the people of PNG by providing insurance protection focusing on quality, affordable and accessible healthcare and personal accident insurance.
PNGRFL chairman Sandis Tsaka said the signing reaffirmed the memorandum of agreement both parties had signed last month.
He said the contract would cater for the Team Kumul programmes across the country.
“The Kids to Kumuls programme will benefit from this sponsorship,” Tsaka said.
He said as platinum sponsor this year, PHA would have their logo on the back of the Kumuls jumper.
“Starting next year, the national team will be known as the PHA Kumuls until 2023 with an option to renew,” Tsaka said.
He said PHA’s sponsorship was a huge boost as “we prepare our best team for the Rugby League World Cup in England in 2021”.
Tsaka said K20 of the registration fees collected from players and officials would be paid to PHA as insurance premium. Tsaka said the insurance cover ranged from any form of injury or disability to death.
“These injuries, deaths (which hopefully won’t happen) and other accidents are covered while playing or officiating at games and/or on duty for any PNGRFL event and function,” he said.
“We are elated that an insurance company for the first time has come on board to partner with the PNGRFL and cover this very important aspect of player, official and employee welfare.”
Tsaka said Juta had been invited to attend the annual general meeting in Lae next week to address all affiliated presidents on the importance of insurance cover and the benefits of the K20 premium to be paid to PNGRFL.
PNGRFL chief executive Reatau Rau said the signing was timely.
“There are three international test matches scheduled for the Kumuls this year and their support as major sponsors is greatly appreciated to prepare our national team as best we can,” Rau said.
He said the partnership came as a result of consultations during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit held in Port Moresby last November.
Rau said the contract for the group personal accident insurance cover was vital and relevant to the PNGRFL.
“This will cover all the six tiers in our structure from the six-year-olds to the Digicel Cup and confederate players, and the Kumuls and Orchids,” Rau said.
“We are grateful PHA has become a partner to handle all these insurance matters and claims professionally and legally,” the chief executive said.