PNGRFL receives approval

Next Sunday set as tentative kick-off of Digicel Cup

THE Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) has received conditional approval from National Pandemic Response Controller David Manning to kick off the Digicel Cup in Lae and Port Moresby next Sunday.
PNGRFL chairman Sandis Tsaka said in his weekly column in The National that the first three to six rounds would be played without crowds at the two locations.
“PNGRFL received conditional approval from National Pandemic Response Controller David Manning for the kick-off of the Digicel Cup and our elite domestic rugby league competitions and programmes for this year,” he said.
“The approval is subject to strict compliance around travel and game-day management.
“Restrictions include centralised venues and no spectators for the start of the competition whilst the Covid-19 pandemic continues to be monitored.”
Meanwhile, International Rugby League (IRL) has appointed two PNG referees to officiate at matches which are sanctioned by the sport’s world governing body.
PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) chairman Sandis Tsaka said in a statement yesterday that Paul Wani and Hanua Rupa were among 19 international referees who had been endorsed to control all IRL matches.
He said their Digicel Cup performances had been recognised by IRL following assessments and recommendations by PNGRFL.
“Footages of Digicel Cup matches in 2020 were sent to IRL match officials manager Stuart Cummins for review who recommended some areas to improve on and the feedback was overwhelming,” Tsaka said.
He said Wani had officiated in two Test matches, including the 2019 Goroka Test between the PNG Orchids and England, while Rupa was one of two officials endorsed to be touch judges in the Queensland Intrust Super Cup.
“It is encouraging to see PNG referees being recognised throughout the world,” he said.
“I encourage those who wish to take up the whistle that pathways to the top are available in the systems and structures.”
He said Wani and Rupa were in a pool of referees who were on standby for any international matches.
“There will be a number of international warm-up and Test matches ahead of this year’s Rugby League World Cup and both men are among the 19 to be assigned to officiate at these games,” Tsaka said.
“On behalf of the PNGRFL board, management and staff, our valued sponsors, stakeholders and the rugby league family in PNG, we are proud of this milestone and congratulate you both on this appointment by IRL.”
Wani and Rupa were excited when told of their appointments.
“We are representing PNG and will give our best at these international matches,” he said.