PNGNRL bans Dabaris hooker

CENTRAL Dabaris hooker John Boge has been banned by the Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) match review committee for the remainder of the Digicel Cup season.
This is a big blow for the Dabaris in their debut season in the semi-professional competition.
Boge, was understood to have shoved the referee in their draw (18-18) with Gulf Isou at the National Football stadium in Port Moresby on June 16.
He is believed to be the first Papuan player to be handed such a ban in the semi pro-competition this season.
PNGNRLC manager Stanley Hondina confirmed on Thursday Boge was suspended for the rest of the season for “touching” a referee.
Let this penalty be a warning to other players and officials to follow the competition rules, he said.
“We encourage and promote zero toleration on violence and ill-discipline,” Hondina said. “We want to ensure that everything goes by the book.”
Port Moresby Rugby League official David Silovo said “touching” a referee was a serious offence and Boge’s actions were unnecessary.
Silovo said Boge would not play any matches sanctioned by the PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) for the duration of his ban.
“This is not good for the game,” Silovo said. “PNGRFL and PNGNRLC are campaigning against violence in rugby league. This will teach the young Motu-Koitabu man a lesson so that next time, he will keep his emotions in check when such a situation arises again.”