PNGRFL defers confederation trials scheduled to start tomorrow

THE Telikom Affiliated Leagues Confederation trials, scheduled to start in the New Guinea Islands (Kokopo) tomorrow, followed by Southern (Port Moresby), Highlands (Minj) and Northern (Lae) on Saturday, have been deferred by a month.
The deferral means the Oct 15-17 Telikom National Confederation Championships in Lae and the All Stars challenge the week after will be re-scheduled.
The affiliated leagues comprise Under-20, men’s and women’s competitions. Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League chief executive Stanley Hondina said in a statement that the deferral was in line with the directives issued last week by the national pandemic response controller, restricting gatherings to no more than 20 persons.
“We have received advice from the National Pandemic Response Controller’s Office that due to the current surge in the country of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) Delta variant, the directive banning all events for the next one month has been issued,” he said.
“Therefore, in compliance with this directive, the Telikom Affiliated Leagues Confederation trials, the Telikom National Confederation Championships and the All Stars challenge will be postponed and reviewed after the month.”
Hondina said sport’s national governing body was an organisation that had been complying with all directives issued since day one and would continue to do so.
“Our game is loved and played by many throughout the country and, as such, we have a duty of care to extend this decision to our people to ensure compliance at all times,” he said.
Hondina appealed to everyone to strictly adhere to all measures issued by the National Pandemic Response Controller’s Office as Covid-19 was here.
“Let’s all play our part in minimising the risk of transmission, and please take care,” he said.