Moresby South Blacks determined to enter Cup

MORESBY South Blacks’ bid for Digicel Cup 2022 season is still on target despite Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition’s (PNGNRFLC) constitution which requires only one franchise from a province.
Moresby South Rugby League president Brown Murema told The National yesterday that the National Capital District had abundance of talents compared to other provinces. Murema said NCD alone could field four Digicel Cup teams and that it needed more franchises apart from the Port Moresby Vipers.
“There is no doubt that Moresby South Blacks meets all the requirements and I don’t see why we would miss out on Digicel Cup next year,” he said.
“In fact, the Blacks have gone beyond because unlike other Digicel Cup teams, we are rolling out our own junior development and schoolboys rugby league in our electorate this year.
“Our local league have grown with more talents.
“We have a great facility that is better than the home ground of most of the franchises.
“Our sponsors are set and are willing to support.
“So we have ticked all the boxes.
“The only obstacle is the PNGNRLC’s constitution that only allows one team to a province.”
Murema called on the PNGNRLC to revoke the policy and make an exception for NCD.
“Port Moresby Vipers alone cannot cater for the abundance of talent in the city.
“The city needs three more franchises.”
Murema said it was unfair to see Digicel Cup franchises that did not have a home ground or a local league poaching players from leagues in NCD and yet be allowed to participate.
He said instead of other teams benefiting from the wealth of talents in the city, the PNGRFL needed to allow Port Moresby to have three more franchises of its own and this would also force teams from other provinces to develop their own competitions and players.