Minj to host game

JONAH Amban Oval in Minj, Jiwaka, will host its third Digicel Cup fixture for the season when the Mt Hagen Eagles face the Central Dabaris in round 11 of the Digicel Cup on Saturday (2pm kick-off).
Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) manager Stanley Hondina said the venue staff and the Minj people had shown great support and co-operation in complying with the sport’s Banis Protocols in the past two games held there.
“Taking this final regular-season game to Minj shows our appreciation for the fantastic work and commitment the people in Minj have shown towards our premier rugby league competition during this difficult season,” he said.
Hondina said a triple-header will be played at Port Moresby’s Sir John Guise Stadium on Sunday to end the shortened season.
“At 12pm, the Hela Wigmen will face Gulf Isou,” he said.
“At 2pm, Waghi Tumbe play the Rabaul Gurias before the Port Moresby Vipers and face the Lae Tigers at 4pm.”
Hondina said a submission for spectators to return and watch Port Moresby games was with the Office of the National Pandemic Controller.
“We hope to have a favourable response in the next few days for fans to attend games in Port Moresby as we head into the finals after this weekend,” he said.
Hondina said Lae’s double-header on Sunday would see the Kimbe Cutters face the Mendi Muruks at 1pm followed by the Enga Mioks-Goroka Lahanis clash at 3.15pm.
He said the top-six would qualify for the finals.
“Let’s continue to adhere to the protocols and I wish every team all the best” Hondina said.
“For those franchises that will be bowing out after this weekend, we can all hold our heads high for seeing this season through during these difficult and unprecedented times.
“Finally, on behalf of the PNG Rugby Football League and PNGNRLC, I wish to extend to all our franchises, sponsors, players and officials a happy 45th Independence anniversary. God bless PNG.”
Fixtures: Sat, Sept 19 – Mt Hagen Eagles v Central Dabaris; Sun, Sept 20 – Mendi Muruks v Kimbe Cutters, Enga Mioks v Goroka Lahanis, Hela Wigmen v Gulf Isou, Rabaul Gurias v Waghi Tumbe, Port Moresby Vipers v Lae Tigers