More leagues to register

By PARKER TAMBUA
HIGHLANDS confederate director Joe Tokam says he is expecting more leagues in the region to gain Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) affiliation next year.
He told The National last week that the confederate’s operations had been affected this year due to financial constraints caused by the Covid-19 restrictions on sports.
However, Tokam said the future looked bright for rugby league in Highlands. “The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted on all sports across the country,” he said.
“Our confederate operations rely on the money collected from the payment of affiliation fees and others.
“But the Covid-19 restrictions on movement and public gatherings had affected our operations.”
Tokam said Goroka, Kundiawa, Banz, Mt Hagen, Wabag, Mendi and Tari were the major leagues affiliated under PNGRFL.
He said the minor leagues were Kerowagi, Minj, Giluwe, Ialibu, Pangia, Samberigi Polopa, Porgera and Komo.
Tokam said the associate leagues were Nondugl, Tapi, Mt Kunumb, Kimil, Laiagam and Tsak Unity.
“The new leagues that have shown interest to affiliate next year are Anglimp, Kandep, Best, South Wiru in Pangia, Magarima and two others which I won’t name as yet,” he said. Tokam said there were some competitions organised by individuals in the region which were not sanctioned by PNGRFL.
“The leagues that are now running their offseason competitions are Goroka,
Kundiawa (Governor’s Cup), Kerowagi (Coffee Cup), Mendi, Tari and Wabag,” he said.
“In general, Highlands has been quiet this season with not much rugby league activities.
“I expect that next year will be bigger and better with more excitement across the region.”