PRL chairman promises due process for player picks

PORT Moresby Rugby League chairman Dr James Naipao says his board members will do their bit to crack down on unmerited selections into the Papua New Guinea Orchids.
Naipao told The National that his board would appoint independent selectors to choose players for the PRL side to take part in the Southern Confederate trials.
“This time, the selections will not be that easy,” he said.
“The new selections committee will feature prominent rugby league administrators.”
Naipao said in the past, the PRL administration was responsible for selection but were not independent. “We should select players on merit and not through favoritism, nepotism or even bribery which was done previously,” he said.
“I don’t want to see any of the PRL administration staff interfere or become involved in the selection process.
“We cannot keep on selecting the same old players based on that (favouritism, nepotism and bribery).
“That is wrong and does not serve the purpose of fair selections.
“Some of these senior players have lost their form and are not performing. So why should they be selected?
“We have a lot of potential prospects who are playing well and should be given the opportunity to test themselves at the next level.
“Whether you are an Orchid or a senior player, you have to work hard to earn your spot.”