Pandemic casts doubt on Hunters

THE South Pacific Brewery-sponsored Hunters are facing a similar predicament to the National Rugby League side New Zealand Warriors due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Queensland Rugby League (QRL) officials will hold a phone hook-up today to discuss the immediate playing future of the Port Moresby-based Intrust Super Cup side.
Although there are no official travel restrictions in place between Papua New Guinea and Australia as yet to prevent the spread of Covid-19, Matthew Church side’s access to and from Australia could be affected if that situation changes.
Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League chairman Sandis Tsaka told The National that they were aware of the seriousness of the spread and the Hunters’ welfare was of paramount concern.
“We are in discussions with QRL and our partners in terms of player travel,” he said.
“We need to be mindful of the risks involved. We’re cautious in our approach to the spread of the coronavirus.
“Apart from the Hunters, it may also affect our representative sides, the PNG Kumuls and Orchids.
“We are talking with our stakeholders, Customs, National Airport Corporation and the Health Department.
“We are holding a meeting with all our stakeholders on Tuesday (tomorrow) regarding the domestic and international status of the coronavirus and how it may affect the Hunters.”
Meanwhile, the Warriors have announced they will remain in Australia, basing themselves in northern New South Wales after the New Zealand government introduced travel restrictions to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
The Hunters’second-round match against the Townsville Blackhawks is scheduled to be held at the Oil Search National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Sunday.
The QRL is following the NRL’s lead by playing its opening-round fixtures as per normal but all future matches will be played behind closed doors after Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday announced a ban of all non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people. – NRL