Minister: It’s a brand new day

 SPORTS Minister Justin Tkatchenko has urged all rugby league affiliates ahead of the PNG Rugby Football League annual general meeting on May 31, 2013, to put their heads together and ensure that rugby league does not return to its former state.

Tkatchenko made the call while congratulating affiliate number 15 for the Southern Region, Pari Rugby League, who finally got PNGRFL recognition yesterday through the proper affiliation processes set out by the governing body.

“I congratulate Pari for getting their act together and doing something positive for their youth and big rugby league following.

“This affiliation now gives them the opportunity to be a part of the bigger league body, and a say in where and what the country’s governing body (PNGRFL) can do for its league and players,” Tkatchenko said.

He expressed that he was very happy that Pari, a part of his Moresby South electorate had taken the next step.

He also extended his congratulations to all affiliates around the country, who had worked really hard over the last months to ensure that they were there for the AGM in Lae.

“Rugby league has moved in leaps and bounds since everyone came together in November last year, put their differences aside and worked towards what will eventuate in Lae.”

“It will be very sad to see all the progress that the game has made since November get thrown out the window, should politics, fighting and individual egos get in the way of real progress again.

“The rural and urban leagues, corporate supporters, die-hard followers and the players especially don’t deserve all the rubbish that used to haunt the game.

“It’s a brand new day, a brand new start and we are looking at rugby league in a whole new light now. 

“Our players have real hope now, and we don’t want to return to the past. 

“Let our decisions be for the benefit of our future,” Tkatchenko said.