Numapo aims high

 By JOHN PANGKATANA

RETIRED magistrate John Numapo is among four hopefuls vying for the chairmanship of the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL).

Numapo’s nomination comes on the back of his scathing attack recently on the direction rugby league was taking over the last six months primarily with the current interim management, and those heading the National Government’s intervention.

Following the deadline for nominations last Friday, PNGRFL acting CEO Brad Tassell yesterday confirmed that four nominations had been received but only interim chairman Don Fox would make the formal announcement.

Fox when contacted yesterday said he was not ready to release the names but confirmed that four names were on the final list.

Tassell clarified that anyone could be nominated for the seat of chairman, as long as the nominating league was a fully compliant affiliate of the PNGRFL.

Apart from the chairman’s seat the deputy chairman and the four regional director’s positions are also up for election.

Tassell said the four interim regional directors have also been re-nominated by their local leagues. 

Numapo, (pictured) has previously served as chairman of PNG Rugby League on three occassions. 

His first term was in 1989-90, and then he had a second stint from 1997-98 before being called in as an interim chairman during the turbulent period from  2010-11. 

He has also held positions with the International Rugby League Federation as the regional representative over these three terms with experience in the sport over 24 years. 

The Chimbu man, who has been vocal on issues pertaining to Team Kumul and related matters, accepted the nomination from the Port Moresby Rugby Football League (POMRFL) which is headed by Samson Unage.

It is understood that leagues in all four regions have been given until this Friday to complete their affiliation requirements as per the constitution to register a week prior to the AGM. 

This affects up to 60 member leagues and interestingly enough POMRFL is one of those leagues that has yet to register with the PNGRFL.

Among the mix that has also confirmed his nomination is PNGRFL interim southern region director Gwaibo Mairi, nominated by Lakwaharu (Tubusereia Village), Rigo and Suburban (NCD) rugby leagues.

Mairi yesterday confirmed his nomination for the chairman’s seat. 

“I’m grateful that these small leagues have the belief in me, but I will confirm later this week as there are some issues I have to clear first,” he said.

While confirmation of the other nominees has not been made official, names that have surfaced include former Wabag rugby league president Sandis Tsaka, Eric Kuman and Fox himself.  

Final confirmation of the nominations will be addressed after the deadline this Friday.

Only leagues that fully comply will be eligible to vote and nominate candidates for that matter.