Murema calls for expansion of competition

MORESBY South Rugby League president Brown Murema says more teams should be allowed to compete in the Digicel Cup to create more opportunities for talented players around the country.
He said that after the Digicel Cup bids of Sepik Pride, Motu Koita Lagatois and Chimbu Warriors were rejected by Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) for varying reasons.
“The three franchises have spent so much resources to get their team into the Digicel Cup and it’s sad to see their bids being rejected,” Murema said.
“Some of the criteria are shallow.
“The Pride are made up of the two Sepik provinces.
“They have three leagues under the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League. They’ve met most of the requirements.
“Sepik is the untested region for semi-professional rugby league.
“If we want to see the game grow, the Pride’s bid should have been approved.
“For the Lagatois, they’ve met most of the requirements.
“To be rejected on the policy that each province is allowed one team is unrealistic. Look at the National Capital District, there is an abundance of talents here.”