PRL A-grade division into round 14 as top-8 spots tussle goes on

THE Port Moresby Rugby League (PRL) A-grade division eases into round 14 at the National Football Stadium this weekend.
Royals are sitting on top in the lead with 13 matches remaining before the top-eight playoffs.
The tussle for the remaining seven spots are among Dobo Warriors, Brothers, Paga Panthers, Tarangau, Hohola Flies, Kone Tigers, Butterflies, Kone Storms and Hawks. Defence, Magani and Souths have an outside chance of making the playoffs.
After round 13, Royals are the clear leaders with 23 points, followed Dobo Warriors (17), Brothers (16), Paga Panthers (16), Tarangau (16), Hohola Flies (15), Kone Tigers (14), Butterflies (11), Kone Storms (11), Hawks (10), Defence (9), Magani (9), Souths (9) and West (4).
Souths face Tarangau today (4pm kick-off) and Royals meet reigning champions Magani at 2pm tomorrow. At 3.20pm, Hohola Flies meet Hawks and Paga Panthers do battle with Brothers (4.30pm kick-off) to round out the tomorrow’s matches.
At 2pm on Sunday, an even tussle is expected between Defence and West. At 3.20pm, Butterflies face off with Kone Storms and Dobo Warriors meet Kone Tigers in the main fixture (4.30pm kick-off).
Meanwhile, Port Moresby Rugby League chairman Dr James Naipao says the competition is heading into the business end with the teams eyeing a spot in the playoffs.
He said match officials should be mindful of their conduct when officiating.
He warned referees and touch judges to be professional in making decisions, which should go by the competition rule book.
“We should be giving our best and not be bossy or whistle-hungry on the field,” Naipao said.
“This is not our show. The game is for the players and the fans, and we all should respect that.”
He also warned team officials and players to be behave themselves.
Naipao said all team officials and players must adhere to the rules and regulations that run the PRL competition.