PNGRFL sets focus

The National Sports

GREETINGS to our rugby league family and we welcome you all to our 1st edition of the “Fulltime Reserve” column for the year 2021, in The National newspaper.
On behalf of the PNGRFL board, the management and all our partners and stakeholders, we hope you all had a peaceful and enjoyable Christmas and New Year break after the unprecedented challenges brought on by the devastating impact of the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic and its ensuing impacts on our society and livelihoods.
Let us all look forward to this New Year with renewed vigour and optimism as we face new challenges and opportunities and continue to navigate our way together.
Like most organisations across PNG, the start of the new year has certainly been a busy and hectic time for the PNGRFL team, as we worked to review the impact of the events of the last year on our organisation and programmes and work towards consolidating our focus on building from the experiences to finalise our domestic and international plans and programs for the year.
The PNGRFL board at its first meeting early this month approved the final 2021 season calendar for the PNGRFL which maps out the work programme and plans for both our domestic and international programmes for the year.
Key amongst these planned initiatives are:

  • The launch and implementation of the “New Ireland Model” all-of-game reforms including the new guidelines for membership;
  • The domestic competition calendar including all provincial, regional and national tournaments for all divisions from our junior schools-based programs to the senior and elite competitions;
  • Finalising the 2021 Digicel Cup Season and calendar;
  • Finalising and confirming the SP PNG Hunters restructure, relocation and participation in the 2021 Intrust Super Cup Season;
  • The international calendar for the PNG LNG Kumuls and Oil Search PNG Orchids including mid-year tests and other internationals leading up to the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England; and,
  • Other international bilateral programs such as the Melanesian Cup, the PMs XIII and an International Schools tournament tour to Australia in September this year.

We hope to update and keep you all informed over the course of this year on all these planned programmes and initiatives as we prepare for another great year for rugby league in PNG.
On behalf of all of us here at the PNGRFL, we acknowledge the ongoing support and partnership of all our corporate and government partners, volunteers and the fans of the sport who have been and continue to be the cornerstone of the growth and success of the sport over the years.
We look forward to your continued partnership and support throughout this year.
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Until next week, may the grace, love and care of our Good Lord be with you.

Cheers,
Sandis