Programmes, comps deferred

The National Sports

Greetings to all our rugby league family and welcome to our fifth edition of Fulltime Reserve for this year in our favorite rugby league newspaper, The National.
The recent spike in the number of Covid-19 cases and the subsequent control measures relating to social gatherings and public transport as directed by the national pandemic controller have compelled the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) to take some proactive actions to safeguard the health and safety of our game’s stakeholders and the public at large.
As such, all PNGRFL sanctioned 2021 season domestic rugby league programmes and competitions which were scheduled to kick off at the end of this month are deferred by four weeks until April 25.
In the meantime, PNGRFL is continuing to liaise closely with the National Pandemic Control Centre and the PNG Sports Foundation to ensure that the spread of the Covid-19 is brought under control before we can recall the rugby league season under a safe environment for all stakeholders.
As per the PNGRFL calendar, all domestic programmes and competitions for our member associations were scheduled to commence this weekend, with the kick-off of 2021 pre-season competitions and the launch and kick-off of the Digicel Cup was scheduled for next Saturday.
These are now all deferred.
At present, all member associations and national franchises are allowed to continue their training programmes and make preparations for the start of the revised season.
However, they are required to strictly adhere to the PNGRFL’s ‘banis protocol’.
All member associations and national franchises are advised that whilst training is allowed, there is to be no competition, tournament or trial match of any kind until specific clearance is given by PNGRFL.
The protocol is being made available to all member associations and national franchises for them to comply with as they continue their preparations for the start of the revised 2021 season.
Whilst the international calendar for the 2021 season remains unaffected, PNGRFL ­­— in consultation with the relevant authorities — will be issuing the revised 2021 rugby league calendar to all member associations by the end of next week.
The PNG National Rugby League Competition board is also expected to revise the 2021 Digicel Cup season next week and will be advising all franchises and stakeholders of the competition’s revised calendar accordingly.
PNGRFL would like to appeal to our rugby league family to exercise extreme caution and follow the safety guidelines to protect themselves, their families and their communities from the Covid-19 pandemic as it continues to take lives and affect our communities and livelihoods.
We also call for our rugby league family to heed the call of our authorities and frontline workers and provide them the support necessary in the fight against the pandemic.
Until next week, may the grace, love and care of our Good Lord be with you.

Cheers,
Sandis