Moresby to host playoffs

By PARKER TAMBUA
PORT Moresby’s Sir John Guise Stadium will host all six Digicel Cup playoff matches, including the Oct 18 grand final, the Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition has confirmed.
Competition manager Stanley Hondina told The National yesterday that Sunday’s sudden-death matches would see last year’s runners-up Hela Wigmen face the Enga Mioks and the Port Moresby Vipers meet the Mendi Muruks.
He said the competition’s Covid-19 measures would still apply with 4,500 spectators only allowed into the stadium.
“All six games of the finals will be played in Port Moresby,” Hondina said after the national pandemic controller approved the return of Port Moresby crowds to Digicel Cup matches from last Sunday.
“This week, we will still maintain the quota as approved by the controller.
“But we will try to seek his approval to increase it from next week.
“The ticket prices are still the same for this week.”
Meanwhile, the Rabaul Gurias have dedicated their Digicel Cup minor premiership to the late John Nightingale who passed away earlier this year.
PNG Rugby Football League chairman Sandis Tsaka commended the Gurias for honouring the founder of the club.
“It is a memorable year for the club,” Tsaka said after the Gurias’ 20-14 win over Waghi Tumbe on Sunday.
“To honour Nightingale with such a performance, I know it means a lot to the team.
“They have dedicated the season to him and what a wonderful way to honour his contributions to the sport.
“It’s also the first time in eight years that they have claimed the minor premiership.
“The last time they did was in 2012 (when they also went on to claim the premiership with a win over the Mendi Muruks in the grand final).”
Gurias co-captain Wartovo Puara Jr thanked their fans, coaching staff and sponsors for their support.
The 2015 premiers will now have a week off before they face reigning champions Lae Tigers in the major semifinal next week.
The Tigers, who finished second, will also have a week off.
Fixtures: Sun, Sept 27 — Hela Wigmen v Enga Mioks, Port Moresby Vipers v Mendi Muruks.