PNGNRLC defers Digicel Cup season

THE Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) board has deferred the kick-off for the Digicel Cup season to May 29 following a special board meeting on Friday.
The decision was made after two members of a franchise were tested positive for Covid-19 after undergoing the antigen rapid diagnostic tests on Friday prior to their departure to Port Moresby.
PNGNRLC chairman Adrian Chow said in a statement that the tests were part of the travel requirements they had put in place for all teams.
“The results of the tests received indicated that two of the members’ test results returned as ‘positive’ whilst the rest of the members were cleared as ‘negative’ for Covid-19,” he said.
“The two affected members were immediately isolated pending further investigations and testing whilst the rest of the team had been put into ‘bubble isolation’ for the required 14 days.”
Chow said all the other franchise had been notified of the situation and had been instructed to implement further restrictions and guidelines to ensure the risks to their teams were mitigated.
“Following the decision by PNGNRLC, all the franchises and our stakeholders have been advised of the situation and they understand the reasons for the decision,” he said.
“Due to privacy, I can’t disclose the affected individuals’ names or team, but we can assure that they are being cared for and that we are focused on the wellbeing of all members and teams.”
Chow said Covid-19 was a global issue and no-one was immune to it.
“Many people around the world have been affected by the virus, including sports people,” he said.
“We are all vulnerable and it’s nobody’s fault.
“It is a reminder that viruses don’t discriminate and to do everything we can to keep safe.
“We are committed to the health and wellbeing of our players, officials, fans and supporters as well as the broader community in PNG.
“This is why we have made the decision to defer the Digicel Cup Season by a further three weeks.
“Although it was a difficult decision, we did this out of an abundance of caution and a respect for the game, our stakeholders, and the difficult times we have found ourselves in.”
PNGNRLC and the PNG Rugby Football League are working closely with the National Pandemic Control Centre and the PNG Sports Foundation’s pandemic management committee to oversee the management of the situation to ensure the competition can resume in a safe environment for all.
An urgent meeting for all franchise chairmen and chief executives had been called in Port Moresby yesterday to discuss further appropriate actions to implement with regard to the teams’ participation.