Organisers confirm 10 sides for new season

THE Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Digicel Cup competition has confirmed 10 teams draws kick off on April 8.
PNGNRLC manager Stanley Hondina, pictured, confirmed that last year’s eight franchises were back along with two new clubs in the PRK Gulf Isou and the Simbu Warriors.
The other eight sides are the Lae Snax Tigers, Agmark Gurias, Kemele Hela Wigmen, PRK Mendi Muruks, Enga Mioks, Goroka Lahanis, NCDC Port Moresby Vipers and Giru Waghi Tumbe.
Last year’s champions the Tigers are on course to become only the third club to win three premierships in a row after claiming the 2016 and last year’s titles beating perennial contenders the Gurias.
They beat the Gurias 14-8 to claim their maiden title in 2016 and backed it up with a dramatic extra-time 11-10 win over the East New Britons.
The Port Moresby Vipers (1990-1992) and Mendi Muruks (2006-2008) were the other franchises to complete the three-peat.
Hondina also quashed unconfirmed reports that the Hagen Eagles would make a surprise return this season.
He said the Eagles, who were handed a three-year ban after members of their club instigated violence in their 2016 preliminary final loss to the Gurias would be eligible to return in 2020.
PNGNRLC chairman Adrian Chow said at a recent press conference announcing their naming rights sponsorship with Digicel PNG, that the competition would be launched on April 5 in Port Moresby.
Hondina said the season would go for 19 rounds with the top four advancing to the finals.
He said the venues for the season had yet to be confirmed but the fields — Port Moresby (2), Lae, Kokopo, Goroka, Wabag and Minj would be used while Mendi’s Joe Keviame Oval would be assessed for its suitability after last month’s earthquake.
The venues for the semi, preliminary and grand final are likely to be in Port Moresby but have not been confirmed.
Chairman Chow said they would continue to pair off Digicel Cup fixtures with PNG Hunters home games at the Oil Search National Football Stadium which had been down over the last two seasons.
Hondina said the season draw would be released this week.
Hondina said issues with the uniforms had been addressed and the teams would be fully kitted for the season.