No guarantees

By KEVIN TEME
THE K600,000 pledge by Southern Highlands Governor Anderson Agiru does not guarantee Mendi Muruks and Hela Wigmen a place in the 2012 Digicel Cup.
The PNG National Rugby League Board has set  deadlines for both franchises to settle their competition registration.
Muruks have been given two weeks while the Wigmen’s the fate will be decided by end of this week.
As of yesterday no payment had been made by the SHPG in light of impending rescue both teams by the governor and current patron of the Wigmen, Agiru.
PNGNRL general manager Hubert Warupi said yesterday that the PNGNRL had a deadline which all franchises whether new or current must meet.
“It was said in the paper (The National) that Agiru had secured both Wigmen and Muruks for 2012 however I will only believe it when I receive payment.
“The competition has deadlines to meet and costs to pay,” Warupi said.
While there has been a push to relocate both Muruks and Wigmen to their respective home provinces this year, Warupi said he had not received any formal notification of their relocations.
“This is all news to me. No one from these teams has spoken to me. They (Muruks and Wigmen) still have not met their requirement.
“It’s simple, no pay, no play,” Warupi said.
Former three-time premiership player and coach Stanley Hondina was concerned about the Muruks in 2012 but was nevertheless pleased Agiru had shown interest.
“Firstly, I would like to commend the governor for at least coming to the aid of the province’s two teams,” Hondina said.
“He has responded to our plight and I am grateful for that.
“That was a step in the right direction, as the Muruks have been one of the most consistent teams in the last decade.
“The involvement of the Southern Highlands provincial government shows their heart and passion for the game and the people,” Hondina said.
He commanded the SHPG for repairing and building up the former home ground of the Muruks – the renamed Joe Keviame Oval.
“Also, the SHPG has done a great job in rehabilitating the Joe Keviame Oval in Tente (in Mendi).
“Now the field looks much more better than it used to be before.
“I want to commend the governor Agiru and his government for the vision they have for rugby league in the province.
“It is a relief (to be sponsored in 2012) however  I want to pose a question: Where will the two teams be based?
“Will the Muruks continue to be based in Lae and the Wigmen in Port Moresby?
“What will happen to the Tente oval where more money is being injected in to rehab?
“And my concern is, can the governor, at least take one of the two teams back to Mendi where the fans are and operate from there.’
Hondina said the Muruks should go back to Mendi.
“Die-hard league fans have been following us all over the country for the last 10 years so let’s get the team back home and give back some excitement to the people at home,” he said.
He added that with the Muruks based in the provincial capital it would be a boost for the local leagues.
Meanwhile, sources from the Wigmen also revealed that the Hela franchise were looking at securing a home ground with Madang a potential candidate.
To date both teams have not made any official statements regarding their future in the Digicel Cup competition.