PNGRFL looking to change status

The National Sports

By ISAAC LIRI
DAYS before Saturday’s Prime Minister’s 13 fixture the PNG Rugby Football League was advised that the planned sanctioned test match was downgraded in status from a test to an international match.
PNGRFL received the notice with dissatisfaction because it planned around expecting full strength Australia side.
The PNGRFL had selected what was essentially a Kumuls side — a departure from the usual PM’s 13 sides picked.
PNGRFL chairman Sandis Tsaka on the FM 100 SP Sports Breakfast show prior to the match last Saturday admitted that he was surprised by the late call to downgrade.
According to Tsaka, PNGRFL did its part to ensure all necessary requirements were met to fit the test match status however it was Australia’s request to downgrade the fixture considering their own programmes with two test matches against New Zealand and Tonga this month.
“We did our part but then it comes down to the requirements involved to ensure the game is credible and competitive so it was decided not to be a test match,” Tsaka said.
“We had discussions and it was a last minute decision, thinking that it was a test match we put our best side.
“Australia had to consider their other tests against New Zealand and Tonga so from their perspective it wasn’t fitting to be a test.”
Tsaka said this was the best PM’s 13 side PNG had to put together to build credibility moving into the future as a second tier nation.
“We’re in discussions and we plan to see the PM’s 13 upgraded to a test match in the future so we can benefit of it,” Tsaka said.
“At the end of the day, PNG needs to play more test matches but then we have to consider the cost of travel which is a handicap because it very expensive to travel abroad to play test matches.”
Tsaka said the Rugby League International Federation’s influence to sanction a test match was limited which resulted in the downgrading of the PM’s 13 test.
“We wanted it to be a test so we could see improvement in our rankings but then rankings with RLIF are uncertain and we’ve raised these questions from time to time,” Tsaka said.