Rego fee halved

THE Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) Board has reduced the registration fees by half for all 12 franchises due to a short 2021 Digicel Cup season. PNGNRLC chairman Adrian Chow said in a statement on Tuesday that the decision was reached at a board meeting on Saturday ahead of the season kick-off this weekend.
“In view of the hardships faced by franchises during these difficult times amid the global pandemic, the PNGNRLC board decided that the registration fees of K200,000 plus goods and services tax (GST) for 2021 will be subsidised by 50 per cent to K100,000 plus GST,” Chow said.  “The board also decided that with round one kicking off on Saturday, each franchise will play against each other once over 11 rounds plus four weeks of finals, including the Sept 12 grand final.” Chow said this same draw was applied in 2020 and the board took into consideration budget constraints and increased costs to franchises and their sponsors arising from Covid-19 and the delays caused to start the season. “The cost savings from the short season to 15 weeks will be passed on to each franchise,” he said. “Those franchises who have paid in full will be reimbursed the subsidised amount.” Chow thanked the partners and sponsors of the 12 franchises, players, coaching staff and management and all stakeholders for their support without whom, the country’s premier rugby league competition would not be able to proceed. “Let me remind you all to adhere and comply with the Banis Protocols at all times as we look forward to the 2021 Digicel Cup season kicking off this weekend,” he said.