Organisers applaud efforts as season starts

DIGICEL Cup organisers have thanked public, franchises and their sponsors for helping to start the season this year, the second competition afoot in the world behind Australia’s National Rugby League.
Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) manager Stanley Hondina on Saturday acknowledged the efforts of all the 12 clubs and their fans amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
“This is the second rugby league competition afoot globally and we give credit to everyone who was part of this,” he said at Sir John Guise Stadium prior to the opening clash between the Rabaul Gurias and Mt Hagen Eagles.
“I must commend all the teams, PNGNRLC staff, the sponsors and everyone involved.
“Teams have been complying for the past six to four weeks and although we’ve just been into the first few games, we haven’t crossed the line yet.
“To the fans, you’re a key stakeholder in the game and we appreciate your patience and kindness in coming out to be together.
“If we spoil this, the national pandemic controller can pull the plug and we can go back to no rugby league and that’s what is at stake.”
Hondina has reminded fans and teams of the new normal practices for the season with the stadium allocated clean zones which are restricted to player and authorised personnel only.
Saturday’s season kick-off saw teams leave the stadium straight after their matches with changing rooms sanitised before the next match.