Royals want fee justified

 PORT Moresby Rugby League champions Royals are unwilling to play in the Southern Regional Club Championship unless organisers justify the steep K750 registration fee.

Club president Brian Kombe was critical of the need by the Southern Confederate to demand an excessive amount to run a two-day competition at a rundown venue – Kone Tigers Oval.

Kombe said the 15-team tournament was sanctioned by a branch of the PNGRFL so it should foot the bill. 

“We think this K750 fee to play is excessive and more importantly we’re confused what it is we are paying for,” Kombe said.

“We just want the organisers to be realistic and transparent when they come up with their fees.

“We were advised that this is an elimination series so if you lose you’re out. If you lose the first game that’s it, that’s K750 gone.”

Southern Confederate director Gwaibo Mairi said the fees would pay for the oval hire and referees because sponsors were not secured.

Mairi said the competition would go ahead even if four or five teams ended up registering. 

He said the two grand finalists would represent the Southern region in the National Club Championship in January 2016 in Lae.

“This is an opportunity for players to be scouted by SP Hunters and Digicel Cup franchises for 2016 season,” Mairi said.

The director said PNG Rugby Football League would meet the travel  and accommodation expenses for the participating teams.