Review, restructure

The National Sports

Greetings to all our rugby league family and welcome to our second edition of “Fulltime Reserve”, a weekly column on all matters rugby league in our favourite newspaper The National.
On March 18, PNGRFL made the unprecedented decision to suspend all rugby league competitions until June 5 over the Covid-19 pandemic. Since then, we have been in close dialogue with our partners and the appropriate authorities to monitor the situation, and review and restructure our 2020 calendar.
We have amended all our six-tier competitions and programmes to:

  • Ensure that the health and welfare of our stakeholders are safeguarded;
  • Protect the positive gains PNGRFL and the sport has achieved in the last six years;
  • Ensure the survival of the sport as a business; and,
  • Inspire people, bring hope and restore normalcy.

It is important that we all start to look at and plan for a future where we live with the threat of new pandemics such as Covid-19.
We are encouraged by Prime Minister James Marape and State of Emergency Controller David Manning’s announcements about lifting the restrictions by June 2 and ensuring new protocols are developed.
In line with the Government’s plans, PNGRFL is working with partners to develop its revised calendar for all its competitions and programs as initially scheduled for June.
To ensure that we are able to start all programmes within the expected guidelines of the “new normal”, PNGRFL is finalising stringent medical protocols to be implemented by players and officials across all our programmes and competitions.
The protocols mirror those that Australia’s NRL has developed for its programmes. After consultations with relevant authorities, PNGRFL will soon be making some announcements on definitive schedules and dates for the start of the revised 2020 calendar.
In summary, all internationals for the PNG LNG Kumuls and the Oil Search PNG Orchids have been put to November or December subject to the revised NRL and Super League finals schedules, and travel restrictions. Whilst the revised schedules will be made available to all our stakeholders soon, it is important to note that they are tentative.
Until next week, may the grace, love and care of our Good Lord be with you.

Cheers,
Sandis